BOISE, Idaho — A memorable run in Las Vegas and record-setting Bronco career came to a close Saturday as Boise State fell 79-69 to Nebraska in the semifinals of the College Basketball Crown.
The Cornhuskers flipped the script late in the second half after Boise State (26-11) built a 24-17 lead behind 11 early points from freshman Pearson Carmichael.
Nebraska (20-14) transformed a 27-25 deficit into a 37-29 advantage with 2:19 remaining in the first half. Seniors Brice Williams and Juwan Gary powered the 12-2 run and combined for 22 first-half points.
Eight turnovers by the Broncos, six by senior guard Alvaro Cardenas, helped Nebraska head to the locker room leading 39-33.
The second team all-conference honoree dished nine assists Saturday, moving his career total to 627, third-most in Mountain West history.
Boise State averaged 94.5 points across its first two contests in the College Basketball Crown. The Broncos reached the semifinals by shooting 60.3% from the floor in their 100-93 victory over Butler.
The second half saw Nebraska showcase the hot hand, erupting for 20 points in the first seven minutes following the break. Boise State trailed 59-45 with 12:56 to play at T-Mobile Arena.
Degenhart took over late as his blue and orange career approached its conclusion, scoring 18 of his 26 points in the final 20 minutes. He added eight boards and two assists.
The Spokane native and Andrew Meadow (10) were the only Broncos with more than two first-half points. Meadow finished with 14 points and three rebounds.
#BoiseState got 34 points from their bench on the first round, and 38 from the reserves in the quarterfinal.Today?
6 points. It’s still only the first half, but…
— Jay Tust (@KTVBSportsGuy) April 5, 2025
Nebraska led by as many as 15 after a fast-break score by Williams made it 74-59 with 4:48 to play. Williams had 14 points, six rebounds and five assists. Gary posted a team-high 21 points with nine boards.
Degenhart leaves the City of Trees as Boise State’s all-time scoring leader and the ninth Mountain West player to ever surpass 2,000 career points.
The Cornhuskers are guaranteed at least $100,000 in name, image and likeness money for reaching the College Basketball Crown championship.
Nebraska awaits the winner of the second tournament semifinal between UCF and Villanova. The title game tips off at 3:30 p.m. MT Sunday on FOX.
