On March 14, 2025, Tyson Degenhart made history by becoming the all-time leading scorer for Boise State basketball. The senior forward achieved this remarkable feat during the Mountain West Tournament semifinals against New Mexico, where he notched 22 points, pushing his career total to 1,949 points and surpassing Tanoka Beard’s longstanding record of 1,944 points.
The game took place at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, and it was not all smooth sailing for Degenhart and his team. Trailing 34-28 at halftime, the fifth-seeded Broncos rallied back to secure a thrilling 72-69 victory. "Our guys are just so tough," said Boise State head coach Leon Rice after the game. "Because a lot of things went wrong. We had foul trouble … and we just had to juggle things and find a way. And the best quality these guys have is they find a way."
During the game, Degenhart's record-breaking layup came midway through the second half. He had entered the match needing 18 points to eclipse the previous record. Against the backdrop of pressure, he performed admirably, emphasizing the team’s collective effort rather than focusing solely on the individual accolade. "I was more focused on just getting the win," Degenhart stated. "And I’m just more excited to continue to get to play with these guys because this group is really, really special."
Degenhart's dynamic performance also allowed him to outpace both Anthony Drmic (1,942 points) and Steve Conner (1,927 points) on the all-time scoring list. The victory was especially significant, as it moved Boise State closer to their goal of capturing the Mountain West title, following their triumph over San Diego State earlier in the tournament.
Emmanuel Ugbo shone alongside Degenhart on Friday night, contributing 17 points, five rebounds, and three blocks. Andrew Meadow added 16 points, and Alvaro Cardenas recorded 12 assists, showcasing the depth of talent on the Boise State roster. New Mexico's Donovan Dent, the Mountain West Conference Player of the Year, led his team with 23 points and five assists but couldn't prevent the Lobos' elimination.
Reflecting on his achievement, Degenhart expressed gratitude for the support he’s received throughout his basketball career. "It’s just a testimony to my coaches, my teammates, my friends, my family, just believing in me the whole time," he noted. Acknowledging the hard work it took to reach this milestone, Degenhart had entered his senior season needing 583 points to claim the record—an ambitious target considering the challenges faced during previous seasons.
Prior to reaching this milestone, he enjoyed solid performances throughout the season, scoring over 20 points on 11 occasions. Degenhart's average of 17.7 points per game led the Broncos this season and was pivotal to their success.
Now, Boise State is gearing up for the championship game set for March 15, 2025, where they will face either Colorado State or Utah State at 4 p.m. Mountain time. Coach Leon Rice emphasized the importance of this upcoming game, noting the resilience his team has shown throughout the tournament. “Every team goes through a Valley of Death. Sometimes the valley can be longer, sometimes you can’t control it. Sometimes guys hit shots and things happen over a basketball season. To be able to learn and develop backbone and toughness, it’s just how you respond,” he remarked.
The 2025 Mountain West Tournament has proven to be pivotal for the Broncos, who are also vying for consideration for the NCAA Tournament. Their strong performance and success over San Diego State and New Mexico showcase their potential to make significant strides this season.
With Degenhart at the forefront, the Broncos have found inspiration and motivation as they prepare for the championship game. The team’s unity and shared experiences through the ups and downs of the tournament exemplify the essence of sportsmanship and brotherhood, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting finale.
“It’s so cool because the whole team, there’s never any jealousy of Tyson because they know how much he cares, they know how much work he does,” Coach Rice said, encapsulating the team spirit and respect within the squad. The path to the finals may be challenging, but Boise State is ready to seize the opportunity and aim for victory, driven by their record-breaking player and the collective determination of their talented roster.