Highly-Anticipated Matchup: Boise State Broncos Face Nevada Wolf Pack in Battle for Mountain West Conference Supremacy

Game outlook

The Mountain West Conference is experiencing intense competition this season, with seven out of the eleven teams having a real chance of winning the MWC Tournament and securing a spot in the NCAA tournament. This upcoming game between the Boise State Broncos, with an 8-4 record, and the Nevada Wolfpack, with a remarkable 15-1 record, showcases two of these teams. Both teams currently boast a 2-0 record in the MWC, easily defeating their conference opponents. However, one of them will have to face their first loss during this highly-anticipated match. Taking place on January 1st at 7:30 PM PST, at the Lawlor Events Center, this game holds significance as it is featured on the limited Friday night NCAA schedule. Nevada opens as the favored team with a -6 point spread, and the line has remained unchanged.

Betting Odds

Moneyline: Broncos +180 | Wolf Pack -218

Spread: Broncos +6 (-110) | Wolf Pack -6 (-110)

Total: Over/Under 140 (-110)

Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Nevada will win straight-up is 69%.

Boise St. Broncos

Boise State basketball coach Leon Rice is currently in his 14th year leading the team. Although the Broncos have made the tournament four times during his tenure, they have not advanced past the first round each time. This season, the team has improved its scoring average to 75.3 points per game, an increase of 3.2 points from the previous year. They have also maintained a strong defensive performance, allowing 65.3 points per game and achieving a 10-point positive margin. The team has a shooting percentage of 45.9% from the field and 24.7% from behind the arc. Notably, forward Tyson Degenhart, who was the Mountain West Freshman of the Year two seasons ago, is averaging 15.1 points per game. Additionally, senior guard Chibuzo Agbo is contributing 15.1 points per game while shooting 49% from the field and a team-best 46.3% from three-point range. Junior forward Omar Stanley, along with Degenhart, contributes 13.1 points per game and 5.8 rebounds. While the team's rebounding average of 37 per game is relatively low for a team with their size, four separate players are averaging over 5 rebounds per game. The team's assist-to-turnover ratio has also improved to 12.9 assists to 11.8 turnovers. In their recent game, Boise State impressively defeated the highly ranked Colorado State Rams by a score of 65-58. This win held the Rams to their lowest point total of the season, 23 points below their average. Omar Stanley recorded his third double-double of the season, scoring 17 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. According to Kenpom, Boise State has moved up to 58th in the nation with an adjusted efficiency margin of 12.66. They have also faced the 51st toughest relative strength of schedule. With an adjusted tempo of 69.8 possessions per 40 minutes, the team maintains a relatively fast-paced style of play. However, the availability of starter Cam Martin is uncertain due to a shoulder injury. Martin currently averages 6.6 points per game and 5.4 rebounds. In terms of power rankings, Boise State is ranked 42nd. Offensively, they are ranked 169th, averaging 75.27 points per game. Defensively, they are ranked 56th, allowing an average Bigs who can shoot >>> @OmarStanley4 gives Boise State the lead! pic.twitter.com/B5kCkyzyai