Boise State vs George Washington Preview: Broncos Blaze into College Basketball Crown with Fire in Their Eyes

In a thrilling twist to the traditional postseason lineup, the College Basketball Crown emerges as the newest battleground, and Boise State basketball is charging in with purpose, power, and pride. In this Boise State basketball vs George Washington preview, we dive into the stakes, the matchups, and why fans should keep their eyes on this rising postseason tournament.

What Is the College Basketball Crown? Why Boise State Fans Should Care

The College Basketball Crown is a brand-new, 16-team, single-elimination postseason tournament created by FOX Sports and AEG. It offers high-level programs that missed out on the NCAA Tournament a chance to compete on a national stage.

Held in Las Vegas from March 31 to April 6, The Crown features national broadcasts on FS1 and FOX, experimental rule changes to improve game flow, and significant NIL opportunities. The champion receives a $300,000 endorsement deal, with $100,000 for the runner-up and $50,000 for each semifinalist. Twelve NBA teams will be in attendance, making this not just a showcase for college fans, but a scouting ground for pro talent.

For Boise State, one of the first four teams left out of the NCAA Tournament—this is a shot at redemption. The Broncos chose to bypass the NIT and instead embrace the challenge of The Crown. With a 24-10 record and wins over San Diego State and New Mexico late in the season, Boise State arrives in Vegas with momentum and something to prove.

Meet the Revolutionaries: Introducing George Washington

Boise State fans may not know much about George Washington University, but the Revolutionaries are no strangers to postseason ambition. Finishing 21-12 on the year and a steady 9-9 in Atlantic 10 play, head coach Chris Caputo has built a team that thrives on versatility and toughness.

The engine of their operation is 6-foot-11 big man Rafael Castro. He’s a force in the paint, averaging 14 points and over nine rebounds a night while converting a staggering 66 percent of his shots. He’s also one of the top shot-blockers in the tournament field, and rarely takes a possession off. But the Revolutionaries’ strength goes beyond just one player.

Caputo rolls out a deep, eight-man rotation where everyone contributes. They love to attack the rim with aggressive guards, drawing fouls at a high rate, but their downhill style also comes with drawbacks. Turnovers are a problem (especially live-ball giveaways), and nearly 14 percent of their shots get blocked—one of the highest rates in the country. Their three-point shooting is also suspect, ranking near the bottom nationally at just over 31 percent.

Defensively, George Washington makes their living by swarming. They pressure the ball, force steals, and close out hard, at times too hard, leaving them vulnerable on the glass. They rank near the bottom nationally in defensive rebounding, something Boise State is well-equipped to exploit.

The Broncos’ Core: Who’s Leading the Charge

Everything Boise State does starts with Tyson Degenhart. The junior forward leads the team in scoring and rebounding, averaging nearly 18 points per game on 52 percent shooting. He’s not just a scorer, he’s the emotional anchor of the roster, the guy they trust in clutch moments, and the first to dive on the floor when a play breaks down.

Complementing him is point guard Alvaro Cardenas, who brings a cool, methodical control to the offense. Averaging seven assists per game, he’s one of the most efficient passers in the tournament field and keeps Boise State’s offense humming, even under pressure.

Then there’s Andrew Meadow, the rising star. He averages over 12 points per game and shoots 34 percent from beyond the arc, but it’s his ability to read the floor and make timely cuts that makes him dangerous, especially against a defense like George Washington’s that tends to overhelp.

Boise State isn’t a team that lives and dies by the three-point line, but they can punish teams with second-chance points and smart ball movement. With one of the top defensive rebounding rates in the country, the Broncos rarely give opponents extra chances.

Matchups and Keys to the Game

One of the most critical matchups will be Boise State’s frontcourt against Rafael Castro. Expect to see O'Mar Stanley and Emmanuel Ugbo rotate defensive duties on the big man. If they can stay out of foul trouble and make Castro work for his points, it could tilt the game early.

This could also be a breakout night for Meadow. George Washington’s aggressive closeouts and rotations leave them vulnerable to smart, off-ball scorers, and that’s where Meadow thrives. Look for him to exploit those gaps for high-percentage looks.

Another x-factor will be Degenhart’s positioning. If Leon Rice opts to use Degenhart at center when Stanley or Ugbo sit, and George Washington sticks Castro on him, it becomes a test of who can control the pace. But when Degenhart is matched with smaller defenders, Boise State may look to create one-on-one scoring chances for Degenhart near the basket. The game could come down to composure. Boise State must protect the ball, limit transition opportunities for GW, and avoid falling into a chaotic, foul-heavy battle. On the flip side, their ability to win on the glass and capitalize on second-chance opportunities could give them a consistent scoring edge.

Tipoff Information and Odds

Boise State vs. George Washington

Date: Monday, March 31Time: 3:30 PM MT / 5:30 PM ET

Location: MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas

TV: FS1

Boise Sports Zone Projected Final Score: Boise State 75, George Washington 64

Boise State prepares for The Crown tournament in Las Vegas. Video courtesy of KTVB

Why This Game Matters

Boise State didn’t come to The Crown to participate, they came to make a statement. After being snubbed on Selection Sunday, this tournament gives them a national spotlight, NBA eyes in the stands, and an opportunity to end the season with both a trophy and a meaningful payout.

For the players, especially standouts like Degenhart and Cardenas, this is more than a postseason tune-up, it’s a launchpad. And for Bronco Nation, it’s a chance to watch their team battle on a fresh stage, with everything to gain and nothing to lose.

This is a new frontier and the Broncos are ready to conquer it.