Boise State Coach Embraces Villain Role in New Mexico Matchup

Leon Rice leads Broncos into The Pit for key Mountain West Conference game

Feb. 7, 2026 at 8:31am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Boise State men's basketball coach Leon Rice will lead his team into New Mexico's legendary Pit arena on Friday night, embracing the role of 'villain' as his Broncos take on the Lobos in a key Mountain West Conference matchup.

Why it matters

The Pit is one of the most iconic and intimidating college basketball venues in the country, and Rice's Boise State squad will be facing a hostile road environment as they look to secure a crucial conference win against their Mountain West rivals.

The details

Rice, now in his 16th season as Boise State's head coach, has built the Broncos into a consistent contender in the Mountain West. However, his teams have struggled at The Pit, going just 1-5 in their previous six visits to the arena. Rice has embraced the villain role, saying he enjoys the challenge of trying to silence the raucous Lobo crowd.

  • The game is scheduled for Friday, February 7, 2026.

The players

Leon Rice

The 16th-year head coach of the Boise State Broncos men's basketball team.

Boise State Broncos

The men's basketball team from Boise State University, a member of the Mountain West Conference.

New Mexico Lobos

The men's basketball team from the University of New Mexico, a member of the Mountain West Conference and Boise State's conference rival.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I love coming into The Pit and being the villain. It's one of the best environments in college basketball, and our guys really embrace the challenge of trying to silence that crowd.”

— Leon Rice, Head Coach, Boise State Broncos

The takeaway

This matchup between Boise State and New Mexico at the iconic Pit arena promises to be an intense and highly anticipated Mountain West Conference clash, with Boise State coach Leon Rice relishing the opportunity to play the role of villain in front of the passionate Lobo crowd.