Boise State Sweeps New Mexico in First Mountain West Series
The series between the Lobos and Broncos featured back-to-back blow outs
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Boise State, on a six-game win streak, looked unstoppable in this one
If a series is how you tell who the better team is, it was clear in this one. Two games produced two nearly identical results – a 24 point (77-53) victory for Boise State in game one and a 37 point (89-52) victory in game two. For what Boise State did well in game one, they only amplified in game two, looking even more clean, crisp and confident as game two progressed.
Between the two games, the Broncos averaged a 58.85% field goal percentage, 41.5% three-point percentage, a +8 rebounding margin and 21 assists. It was primarily Derrick Alston (who averaged 21.5 points, 5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 66.7% three-point shooting on 6-of-8 shooting in the two games) picking apart the opposition, but several Broncos got in on the action.
🔨 DA brought his hammer tonight @deejuusz pic.twitter.com/2K4YP8WXQk
— Boise State MBB (@BroncoSportsMBB) December 24, 2020
Honestly, have yourself a day Derrick Alston Jr. @BroncoSportsMBB | @MW_MBB pic.twitter.com/5MUQ7mDJEb
— CBS Sports Network (@CBSSportsNet) December 24, 2020
The coach’s son, Max Rice matched Alston’s 22 points in game two and accrued seven rebounds in the contest.
Brought the whole bag tonight @maxrice12 pic.twitter.com/OsI8418VtX
— Boise State MBB (@BroncoSportsMBB) December 24, 2020
But it wasn’t just the pretty offense that the Broncos found success with. Defensively, the size and length of Boise State clearly bothered New Mexico, which often attempted a bully-ball style against the bigger Boise State team.
Through two games, the Broncos held the Lobos to 33.6% field goal percentage, 22.2% three-point field goal percentage, averaged nine steals and prevented any single New Mexico player from reaching double figures in game two, including leading scorer Makuach Maluach.
The win is Boise State’s sixth straight since dropping their opener to #6/7 Houston Cougars and they’ll look to extend their streak to eight when they take on the San Jose State Spartans. The Spartans face a similar situation to New Mexico in having to relocate out of their home state due to COVID-related restrictions. Interestingly, both the Lobos and Spartans were blown out by Boise State and Utah State respectively in their conference opening series on their opponent’s home floor.
New Mexico falls to 3-2 after the consecutive losses, and hopes to pick up the pieces against a well-coached Nevada team on New Year’s Eve.
