Boise State’s women’s basketball team faced a tough defeat against Air Force, losing 68-66 in the semifinals of the 2026 Mountain West Championship. It was a close match filled with ups and downs for both teams.
Air Force got off to an early start with Emily Adams making a layup. Boise State quickly responded with two layups, one from Libby Hutton and another from Dani Bayes, grabbing a 4-2 lead. But the Falcons didn’t hold back, going on an 8-0 run led by Alexis Cortez’s three-pointer. Hutton managed to stop the bleeding with an and-one, bringing Boise State closer, but they ended the first quarter down 18-11.
In the second quarter, Hutton started strong again, cutting the lead to two points. After some back-and-forth action, Bayes knocked down a three-pointer, putting Boise State ahead 22-20. The Broncos stayed persistent; they headed into halftime with a slight advantage, 31-29.
The third quarter was a battle. The lead changed hands multiple times, with both teams scoring in quick succession. After exchanging layups, Boise State took a narrow 50-47 lead into the final quarter.
The fourth quarter began tightly. Air Force tied the game with a three-pointer, but Boise State answered back, maintaining the pressure. However, a critical moment came when Air Force went on a 9-0 run, taking a 63-57 lead with less than two minutes to go. Boise State fought back but fell short, missing key opportunities to score.
Some noteworthy stats emerged from the game:
– This was only Boise State’s second loss while outrebounding the opponent this season.
– They scored a season-high of 46 points from the bench, showcasing strong teamwork.
– Despite the loss, Libby Hutton shone brightly, tying her career high with 25 points.
Air Force celebrated its sixth win against Boise State, a notable feat considering the Broncos lead the series 26-6.
Assistant Coach Cariann Ramirez shared insights on the match’s intensity. “Air Force just pressures you into making tough shots,” she noted. “I’m heartbroken for our seniors, but we have to credit their game planning. Making it to the semifinals is a big deal for us; we worked hard to get here.”
The outcome highlights the fierce competition in women’s basketball, especially in conference tournaments. With the stakes so high, every game is a chance not just to win but to showcase talent and resilience.
Source link
