New Mexico Lobos Narrowly Miss Victory Against Boise State Broncos in Mountain West Semifinal

In a closely contested Mountain West - Semifinal 1, the New Mexico Lobos faced off against the Boise State Broncos at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. The game concluded with the Broncos securing a win with a final score of 72-69. This result moves the Broncos forward, leaving the Lobos to reflect on what might have been in a game that showcased their resilience and skill.

Lobos' Efforts and Highlights

The New Mexico Lobos displayed commendable performance throughout the match, ending with an overall efficiency game score of 52.9. Donovan Dent led the team with an impressive 23 points, contributing significantly to his team's offensive efforts. Nelly Junior Joseph also stood out by scoring 19 points and grabbing eight rebounds, showcasing his dominance on both ends of the court.

Despite trailing at halftime, the Lobos managed to keep pace with their opponents in a highly competitive second half. They excelled in fast break situations, accumulating 13 fast break points thanks to their aggressive defense which resulted in seven steals over the course of the game. Their effort was further highlighted by managing to lead by as much as eight points during one stretch of play.

Broncos' Winning Strategy

On their part, Boise State demonstrated why they are considered one of the formidable teams in college basketball this season. With an overall efficiency rating of 80 and converting 83 percent from free-throw line, they capitalized on crucial moments that ultimately led them to victory. Their biggest lead was six points but it was enough for them to maintain control when it mattered most.

The Broncos were particularly effective from inside paint where they scored 32 points and showed remarkable accuracy by shooting 64 percent from two-point range. Their bench contributed significantly as well with twenty bench points proving vital for depth over course of match.

Looking Ahead

As fans look back at this intense matchup between two talented teams, it's clear that both sides had moments where they could have seized control of this semifinal clash but ultimately it was Boise State who made key plays down stretch.

For those who missed live action or wish relive some highlights CBS Sports Network provided national coverage ensuring fans didn't miss moment action-packed semifinal.