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Boise State Ends 14-Year NCAA Drought

Broncos outlast New Mexico State in wild 3 OT WAC final

By Mitch Pritchard,  Newser User

Posted Mar 16, 2008 12:29 PM CDT
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(Newser) – It took triple overtime, but Boise State's wait to return to the NCAA Tournament is finally over, reports the Associated Press. Reggie Larry scored 31 points and Matt Nelson had 26 as the Broncos beat New Mexico State 107-102 last night to win the WAC tournament title. The win gives the Broncos an automatic berth in the NCAA Tournament, their first in 14 years.

Boise State (25-8) built a 16-point lead in the second half, but the Aggies (21-14) erased it with the help of Fred Peete, who scored 13 of his 17 points after halftime. Jonathan Gibson hit a 3-pointer with 24 seconds left in regulation to give the Aggies a 71-70 lead. Larry then made a free throw to send it in OT. Larry also hit two shots in the third OT to spark a decisive 6-0 run for the Broncos.

Boise State forward Matt Nelson, center, shoots over New Mexico State guard Jahmar Young, left, and Wendell McKines, right, during the Western Athletic Conference tournament final yesterday.
Boise State forward Matt Nelson, center, shoots over New Mexico State guard Jahmar Young, left, and Wendell McKines, right, during the Western Athletic Conference tournament final yesterday.   (AP Photo/Matt York)
Boise State forward Matt Nelson shoots over New Mexico State Hatila Passos during the second half of the Western Athletic Conference final yesterday. Boise State won 107-102 in triple overtime.
Boise State forward Matt Nelson shoots over New Mexico State Hatila Passos during the second half of the Western Athletic Conference final yesterday. Boise State won 107-102 in triple overtime.   (AP Photo/Matt York)
Boise State's Reggie Larry, right, and teammate Kurt Cunningham celebrate their Western Athletic Conference final win over New Mexico State yesterday. Boise State won 107-102 in triple overtime.
Boise State's Reggie Larry, right, and teammate Kurt Cunningham celebrate their Western Athletic Conference final win over New Mexico State yesterday. Boise State won 107-102 in triple overtime.   (AP Photo/Matt York)
Boise State guard Matt Bauscher signals a play against New Mexico State during the first half of the Western Athletic Conference basketball tournament final yesterday.
Boise State guard Matt Bauscher signals a play against New Mexico State during the first half of the Western Athletic Conference basketball tournament final yesterday.   (AP Photo/Matt York)
New Mexico State forward Justin Hawkins (1) dunks over Boise State guard Aaron Garner (12) during the Western Athletic Conference final yesterday. Boise State won 107-102 in triple overtime.
New Mexico State forward Justin Hawkins (1) dunks over Boise State guard Aaron Garner (12) during the Western Athletic Conference final yesterday. Boise State won 107-102 in triple overtime.   (AP Photo/Matt York)
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NCAA • NCAA basketball • Boise State Broncos • New Mexico State Aggies • 2008 NCAA Tournament • Reggie Larry • Matt Nelson • Fred Peete • Jonathan Gibson

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