Two teams still trying to rebound from recent disappointing performances against Mountain West rivals clash Wednesday at Moby Arena in Fort Collins, Colorado.
Colorado State (11-7, 6-2 Mountain West) hosts Boise State at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday. Both teams need a win to keep their dwindling hopes of a regular-season conference title alive.
The Broncos were picked to win the Mountain West in the preseason media poll, but they currently sit in fifth place.
Boise State (13-6, 5-3 MWC) marched into The Pit on Friday with an eye on upsetting conference-leading New Mexico, but the Lobos defended their spot with an 84-65 win. It was the fewest points the Broncos scored in a game since their 63-61 loss to Boston College on Nov. 26, 2024.
Colorado State strode into Viejas Arena last Tuesday, riding high from three straight dominant performances against San Jose State, Fresno State, and UNLV, but San Diego State humbled the Rams, winning 75-60. It was the fewest points Colorado State scored in a game since a 72-55 loss to Colorado on Dec. 7, 2024. The Rams knocked off Wyoming on the road, 79-63, on Saturday.
Boise State is led by reigning Mountain West Player of the Year Tyson Degenhart. The four-year starter ranks No. 3 in the conference with 17.5 points a game this season, and he leads the Broncos with six rebounds a game.
Colorado State’s Nique Clifford is having the most productive year of his career. The fifth-year senior ranks No. 4 in the Mountain West with 16.9 points a night and No. 2 in the conference with 9.8 rebounds a game.
Clifford has scored at least 10 points in 17 of the Rams’ 19 games, and he has netted more than 20 six times. He also has eight double-doubles on his resume this season, including 23 points and 11 rebounds against Wyoming.
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Boise State at Colorado State Betting Odds
Colorado State is a 1.5-point college basketball betting odds favorite against Boise State on BetMGM, and the Over/Under is 139.5 points. The Moneyline is at -140 for the Rams and at +155 for the Broncos.
Colorado State is 9-11 against the spread in its past 20 regular-season games as the favorite at home. Boise State is 12-7-1 ATS in its last 20 regular-season games as an underdog on the road.
Boise State at Colorado State on TV
The Mountain West game featuring Boise State and Colorado State will air on CBS Sports Network.
Tonight’s tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.
Boise State at Colorado State Prediction
I predict Boise State wins 68-64.
It’s desperation time for the Broncos and Rams. Neither can afford many more losses in Mountain West play without watching Utah State or New Mexico ride off into the sunset with the title.
The Broncos have a ton of experience to lean on, which is a big part of why they were the preseason pick to win the conference.
Degenhart has started 114 games since first suiting up for Boise State in 2021. He’s joined in the post by O’Mar Stanley, who played a lot of games at St. John’s before transferring to Boise State last season.
Boise State also added veteran point guard Alvaro Cardenas this year. He started 65 games at San Jose State before joining the Broncos, and he ranks No. 2 in the Mountain West this season with 130 assists.
Ultimately, Boise State’s experience is what will lift the Broncos to a win over the Rams. Boise State’s veterans know they can’t afford another loss, especially with half of the conference slate having already been played.
Degenhart has been getting some help in recent weeks from wing Andrew Meadow, who is No. 2 on the team with 12.1 points a night. The Broncos have also been getting quality minutes from a pair of freshmen: Pearson Carmichael and Julian Bowie, who is shooting almost 40% (19-of-48) from 3-point range.
