Boise State vs. San Diego State Recap: Broncos Storm Back to Stun Aztecs, 62-52

In an electrifying Mountain West showdown, Boise State basketball overcame a halftime deficit to deliver a statement victory over San Diego State, 62-52. The Broncos, fueled by a dominant second-half performance, turned the tide against an Aztecs squad that entered the break seemingly convinced they had control of the game. But as the final buzzer sounded, it was Boise State standing tall, proving that the battle isn't over until the last shot falls.

Catch the highlights Boise State 62-52 quarterfinal win over San Diego State

First Half: San Diego State's False Sense of Security

The clash began with intensity, as both teams traded blows in a gritty defensive struggle. San Diego State found their rhythm early, using efficient scoring from guard N. Boyd, who racked up 20 points on 6-of-12 shooting. The Aztecs entered halftime with a 33-28 lead, their defense suffocating the Broncos while their offensive execution appeared steady.

SDSU’s head coach exuded confidence heading into the locker room, believing his squad had taken firm control. And given Boise State’s shooting struggles in the first half (33.9% from the field), that confidence seemed warranted. But what followed was a second-half reversal worthy of a sports movie plot twist—Boise State was just getting warmed up.

Second Half: Boise State Awakens!

Whatever halftime speech Broncos head coach Leon Rice delivered must have lit a fire under his squad. Boise State erupted out of the break with renewed energy, locking down defensively and flipping the script on SDSU. The Broncos forced the Aztecs into tough shots, holding them to just 19 second-half points.

Leading the charge was guard A. Cardenas, whose fearless play embodied the Broncos' resurgence. Cardenas finished with 16 points, going a perfect 4-of-4 from the free-throw line while also dishing out four assists. His clutch shot-making and playmaking steadied Boise State in crunch time.

But it wasn’t just the guards who made an impact—Boise State dominated the glass, out-rebounding SDSU 40-28. Forward R. Keene II pulled down 9 rebounds, matching SDSU’s J. Coleman-Jones in a fierce battle on the boards. This rebounding edge helped Boise State control possessions and limit the Aztecs' second-chance opportunities.

The game’s defining moment came midway through the second half when Boise State’s defense clamped down, forcing a series of turnovers that led to transition buckets. The Broncos outscored the Aztecs 34-19 in the final 20 minutes, showcasing their resilience and defensive tenacity.

MVP of the Night: A. Cardenas' Grit and Leadership

While the Broncos’ second-half surge was a collective effort, A. Cardenas stood out as the catalyst. His ability to control the tempo, hit timely shots, and create opportunities for teammates was crucial in Boise State's comeback. His leadership on both ends of the floor ensured that the Broncos never wavered, even when the first half painted a bleak picture.

Final Thoughts: A Statement Win for Boise State

This victory not only strengthens Boise State’s position in the Mountain West standings but also sends a clear message—they are never out of the fight. San Diego State entered halftime with confidence, but in basketball, a game is won over two halves, not one. Boise State's defensive adjustments, rebounding dominance, and second-half offensive execution turned the tide, leaving SDSU stunned as the Broncos celebrated a well-earned win.

With this triumph, the Broncos improve to 23-9 (14-6 MW) and continue their push toward postseason success. Can they carry this momentum into the conference tournament? If this second-half performance was any indication, the rest of the Mountain West should take notice—Boise State is a team that refuses to back down.

Stay tuned for more Boise State basketball coverage as the Broncos gear up for the postseason!