Gallup Defeats Albuquerque Academy in Boys Basketball Semifinal

No. 2 Gallup pulls away in second half to win 54-44 over No. 3 Albuquerque Academy

Mar. 12, 2026 at 3:40pm

In the NMAA 2026 New Mexico High School Boys Basketball State Tournament semifinal, the No. 2 Gallup Bengals defeated the No. 3 Albuquerque Academy Chargers 54-44 at The PIT. After trailing at halftime, Gallup surged in the second half behind key plays from Mykeia Vicenti, Kayden Tsosie, and Marie Nez to secure their spot in the Class 4A state championship game.

Why it matters

This semifinal matchup featured two of the top-ranked teams in the state, setting up an exciting clash for a chance to compete for the Class 4A state title. Gallup's comeback victory showcases their resilience and ability to make crucial plays when it matters most, while Albuquerque Academy's early lead demonstrates their talent and competitiveness.

The details

Gallup trailed Albuquerque Academy at halftime, but the Bengals turned the game around in the second half. Key contributions from Mykeia Vicenti, Kayden Tsosie, and Marie Nez helped Gallup pull away and secure the 54-44 win, punching their ticket to the Class 4A state championship game.

  • The NMAA 2026 New Mexico High School Boys Basketball State Tournament semifinal took place on March 12, 2026.
  • Gallup trailed Albuquerque Academy at halftime.

The players

Mykeia Vicenti

A player for the Gallup Bengals who made key contributions to their second-half comeback.

Kayden Tsosie

A player for the Gallup Bengals who made key contributions to their second-half comeback.

Marie Nez

A player for the Gallup Bengals who made key contributions to their second-half comeback.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This was a hard-fought game, but our team showed a lot of heart and determination in the second half to pull out the win.”

— Mykeia Vicenti, Gallup Bengals Player

What’s next

Gallup will advance to the Class 4A state championship game, where they will face the winner of the other semifinal matchup.

The takeaway

Gallup's comeback victory showcases their ability to make crucial plays when it matters most, demonstrating the team's resilience and competitiveness at the highest level of New Mexico high school basketball.