What happened?
Broncos beat New Mexico 86-78. Tyson led the Broncos with a career-high 32 points and 7 rebounds. Filip Borovicanin led New Mexico with 18 points. The Broncos had career nights from 2 other people to lead the way. Pearson (Peanut) Charmicel had 21 points on 4-8 shooting behind the arc. Alvaro had a double-double with 11 points and 10 assists (plus 5 steals!) The Broncos completely flipped the script from their game a month ago at New Mexico. Maybe Peanut is the answer to our problems offensively?
Home Sweet Home
We weren’t kidding that the Broncos are good at home. The beds are softer, the crowd kinder, and apparently, the rims are bigger. So far this season, they have won against Clemson, UNLV, and now New Mexico. In all three wins, the Broncos shot better than 50% from the field and 35% from 3. If the Broncos could play every game at home, I don’t think they would lose a game all season. (You know, besides the one they already lost.)
New Mexico came in with the league’s best record, touting only 1 conference loss and coming off a sweep of Utah State. Tonight, the Broncos looked like the team with only 1 conference loss. They were even on the rebounding battle, but we did win the turnover battle 15-13. The Broncos kept it close, taking a 3-point lead to the halftime locker room. They started the second half on fire, using an 18-2 run to put the game on ice.
New Mexico Has A Peanut Allergy
To the shock of most of Bronco nation, Leon started Pearson in this must-win game. For all those who maybe forgot. Peanut is a true freshman who had his redshirt burned on January 7th against UNLV. Since that game, we have seen him grow up before our very eyes. He struggled early on adjusting to the college game, but now he looks unstoppable. We might have found his replacement in a season where we have missed a “Max Rice” shooter. Peanut does not lack the confidence to shoot or drive. This kid could take the same route as Tyson and be the next Bronco freshman phenom.
GOAT
What more can we say about Tyson that already hasn’t been said? Well here’s a new one: Last night was his first career 30-point performance. He isn’t flashy or going to light up the socials with brain-breaking plays. He’s a hard hat, lunch pail kinda guy. He beats you with footwork and toughness. Before the game even starts, you know Tyson is going to put up at least 16 points and 6 or so rebounds.
He’s currently chasing the all-time leading scorer and is currently only 106 points off the record. He needs to average 18 points a game. At this rate, he could be breaking that record on Senior night in March. We are all witnessing history with this player.
What’s Next?
The Broncos travel to Reno to play Nevada on Saturday Afternoon. Every game is a must-win, and the Broncos got the win tonight. The future of our at-large hopes and hopes for a good seed in the Mountain West Tournament rest in these next seven days: Saturday at Nevada (Q1) and Wednesday night home vs. Utah State (Q2). If the Broncos can win these next 2 and close out the month of March, they could be playing their way to an at-large bid. Let’s see if the Broncos can bring home magic on the road and build momentum going into March.
