Boise State Stumbles as Nique Clifford’s Career Night Lifts Colorado State

BOISE, Idaho – Boise State’s five-game win streak came to a halt Friday night as Colorado State surged past the Broncos 83-73, fueled by a career-best 36-point performance from Nique Clifford. Despite a tightly contested first half, Boise State struggled to slow Clifford after the break, ultimately falling short in their regular-season finale.

Halftime Deadlock: Boise State Battles Early but Falters Late

The opening half was a back-and-forth affair, with neither team able to gain separation. Boise State and Colorado State entered the break locked at 34-34, setting the stage for a decisive second half. Andrew Meadow led the Broncos early, finishing with 22 points (6-of-13 FG, 3-of-6 3PT) and six rebounds, while Alvaro Cardenas orchestrated the offense with 18 points, six rebounds, and eight assists to keep the Broncos in contention.

However, Boise State’s perimeter shooting struggles became apparent as the game progressed, a factor that proved costly down the stretch.

Clifford Takes Over as Rams Pull Away

After halftime, Clifford took command of the game, torching Boise State’s defense with a 13-of-18 shooting display, including 4-of-7 from three and a perfect 6-of-6 from the free-throw line. The 6’6” senior guard consistently found ways to answer every Boise State push, knocking down key shots and exposing defensive lapses. He also added three assists and limited turnovers to just two, delivering a well-rounded performance that proved to be the difference.

Meanwhile, Boise State’s offensive woes deepened. The Broncos hit just 7-of-29 (24.1%) from three, failing to capitalize on open looks, while Colorado State thrived with 8-of-17 (47.1%) shooting from beyond the arc and an outstanding 21-of-22 (95.5%) from the free-throw line.

Watch the full game highlights below to see Clifford’s dominant second-half takeover

Key Performances & Takeaways

Despite the loss, Boise State had a few standout efforts:

• Andrew Meadow continued to impress, leading the team with 22 points and six rebounds.

• Tyson Degenhart contributed 15 points and nine rebounds, shooting 4-of-6 from the field but just 1-of-3 from deep.

• Alvaro Cardenas facilitated the offense effectively, notching eight assists, though his 2-of-9 three-point shooting reflected the team’s overall perimeter struggles.

Despite outrebounding Colorado State (27-25, with 12 offensive boards to CSU’s 3), Boise State failed to convert second-chance opportunities into meaningful scoring runs. The loss leaves them tied with the Rams at 22-9 overall, setting up an important stretch in the postseason.

Next Up: Mountain West Tournament Awaits

With the regular season in the books, Boise State now shifts its focus to the Mountain West Tournament, where they must regroup and adjust. Head coach Leon Rice will look to tighten up the team’s perimeter defense and shooting efficiency, two key areas that must improve for a deep tournament run.

The Broncos have the talent to bounce back, but the pressure is on. Can they correct their mistakes and make a statement in the postseason? The next challenge is just around the corner.

Stay tuned for full Mountain West Tournament coverage and in-depth analysis of Boise State’s path forward.