Boise State lost to Air Force, 68-66, in the semifinal of the 2026 Credit Union One Mountain West Women’s Basketball Championship on March 9.
The close defeat ended Boise State’s run in the tournament and marked only their second loss this season when outrebounding an opponent. The game was played in Las Vegas and featured several lead changes and strong performances from both teams.
Air Force started with an early lead, but Boise State responded quickly. Libby Hutton led the Broncos with 25 points and seven rebounds, while Dani Bayes and Tatum Thompson each contributed 10 points. Despite a season-high 46 bench points for Boise State and three players surpassing 400 points this season—Tatum Thompson (482), Natalie Pasco (425), and Dani Bayes (418)—the team could not overcome Air Force’s late surge.
The contest saw multiple momentum shifts. After trailing at the end of the first quarter, Boise State rallied to take a halftime lead. The teams traded baskets throughout the third quarter before Air Force pulled ahead during a crucial fourth-quarter run. Late efforts by Hutton and Bayes brought Boise State within one point, but Air Force secured the win with free throws in the final seconds.
Assistant coach Cariann Ramirez said, “Air Force just pressures you into making tough twos. It was a hard shot battle. I am heartbroken for our seniors, but credit to Air Force for their game planning and their seniors. Being in the semifinal is huge for us because we worked so hard to be here, but again I am heartbroken for our team.”
This result brings Boise State’s all-time record against Air Force to 26-6.
