Honestly, if you missed the game at Viejas Arena earlier this month, you missed what might be the craziest Mountain West game of the decade. We’re talking about SDSU basketball vs Boise State Broncos men's basketball, a rivalry that has grown from a standard conference matchup into a genuine "circle the calendar" bloodbath.
People expected a defensive grind. That’s what Brian Dutcher and Leon Rice usually give us. Instead, we got a 110-107 triple-overtime heart attack that left both fanbases absolutely exhausted.
The Game That Broke the Scoreboard
It started like a typical San Diego State home game. The Aztecs were humming. At one point in the first half, they were shooting 66% from the floor and led by as many as 24 points. Viejas was rocking, and it felt like the Broncos were about to get run out of the building.
But Boise State is built different under Leon Rice.
They didn't fold. Behind Javan Buchanan, who dropped a career-high 29 points, and Andrew Meadow’s 25, the Broncos clawed back. They hit eight three-pointers in the second half alone. Watching the lead evaporate was like watching a slow-motion car crash for Aztec fans. When Drew Fielder hit a late and-1 to send it to the first overtime, the energy in the building shifted from "party" to "panic."
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Why SDSU Basketball vs Boise State Broncos Men's Basketball is Now the MW’s Best Rivalry
Forget the old school rivalries for a second. This is the new standard. Since 2019, SDSU has the fourth-best record in the entire country, trailing only titans like Gonzaga and Houston. Yet, Boise State has been their kryptonite more often than not. Before this 3OT thriller, the Broncos had actually won three of the last four meetings.
It's a clash of styles that somehow creates chaos.
- San Diego State’s Depth: This year, the Aztecs are leaning on their bench more than ever. They’re averaging over 40 bench points per game. In the Boise game, it was guys like BJ Davis (22 points, 11 rebounds) and freshman Elzie Harrington (20 points) who saved the day when the starters got leg-weary.
- Boise’s Road Warrior Mentality: The Broncos have the most conference road wins in the Mountain West over the last five years. They don't care about the "Show" or the hostile environment in San Diego.
- The Coaching Chess Match: Brian Dutcher and Leon Rice have combined for over 30 years of experience at these schools. They know each other's plays before the point guard even crosses half-court.
Breaking Down the 2026 Landscape
Right now, the Mountain West is a gauntlet. As of mid-January 2026, San Diego State is sitting pretty at the top of the standings, still undefeated in conference play (6-0). Boise State, despite being a Top 75 NET team with several Quad 1 opportunities, has struggled to find consistency, sitting at 1-5 in the MW after that grueling loss.
The standings don't really tell the whole story, though.
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Boise State is 1 of only 15 teams in the nation with an offensive rating over 115 and a defensive rating under 99. They are statistically elite, but they’ve been on the wrong side of some absolute heartbreakers. Losing in triple overtime on the road is the kind of thing that can either break a team or forge them for a March run.
Tactical Nuance: The "Wheel" vs. The "Pack-Line"
If you're a hoop nerd, the SDSU basketball vs Boise State Broncos men's basketball games are a masterclass. SDSU runs a "Wheel" offensive scheme that relies on constant movement and high-percentage looks, which explains their 53% shooting in the recent matchup.
On the flip side, Boise State’s defense, overseen by associate head coach Mike Burns, is legendary for holding teams under 60. When SDSU puts up 110, you know the game script went completely out the window.
The Broncos' offense is overseen by Tim Duryea, and they’ve become much more explosive. They aren't just the "tough, gritty team" anymore; they have legitimate snipers like Dylan Andrews and Drew Fielder who can hurt you from deep if you sag off even an inch.
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What Most People Get Wrong About This Series
There’s this narrative that SDSU just bullies people with size. While they do have 7-footers like Magoon Gwath and Thokbor Majak, their real strength is in the guard play. BJ Davis is playing like an All-MW first-teamer. He’s not just a scorer; he’s a ball-hawk. In that 3OT win, he had a "Chris Johnson-style" interception on an inbounds pass that basically kept the Aztecs alive.
Also, don't sleep on the freshman, Elzie Harrington. Most freshmen would crumble in a double-overtime situation at home with the pressure of an undefeated record on the line. He just kept attacking the rim.
Looking Ahead to the Rematch
The return game in Boise is going to be deafening. ExtraMile Arena is one of the toughest places to play in the West, and the Broncos will be looking for blood.
If you're betting on or analyzing this matchup, keep an eye on the "Points in the Paint" and "Bench Scoring" stats. SDSU thrives when they can rotate 10 guys in and keep the pressure high. Boise wins when they control the tempo and keep the game in the 60s or 70s.
To stay ahead of the curve on this rivalry, you should watch the "Sights & Sounds" packages the SDSU media team puts out. It gives you a much better feel for the intensity than a standard box score ever could. Also, keep an eye on the NET rankings; both of these teams are likely headed for the Big Dance, and their head-to-head results will heavily impact seeding.
Track the health of Miles Heide and Miles Byrd for the Aztecs—they are the glue guys who don't always show up in the highlights but fix everything on the floor. For the Broncos, Javan Buchanan’s emergence as a go-to star is the story of the season. If he keeps playing at this level, Boise State is going to wreck someone's bracket in March.