San Diego State vs. Boise State final score: Hot Broncos best the Aztecs 61-46

The Boise State Broncos (17-6, 7-3 Mountain West) and their sold-out crowd beat the San Diego State Aztecs (18-6, 8-3 MW) 61-46 today in Boise.

The Broncos punched SDSU in the gut with their 46-percent shooting and their stifling defense, holding SDSU to just 25 percent from the field. Boise State led 30-18 at the half.

J.J. O'Brien almost single-handedly brought his Aztecs back into the game, scoring nine points and grabbing four boards in the first 10 minutes of the second half. SDSU closed to gap to just four points at 34-30.

But, as if on cue, Boise State knocked down two straight 3-pointers and permanently took command of this one.

Derrick Marks finished with 19 points, a relatively low-scoring night considering his recent tear.

O'Brien played very well, scoring 18 points to go along with 10 boards.

One problem: he was the only consistently good Aztec today.

SDSU next hosts the Wyoming Cowboys (19-5, 8-3 MW) in a battle for first place Wednesday at 8 p.m. PST.

Boise State next hosts the Air Force Falcons (11-12, 4-8 MW) Wednesday at 6 p.m. PST.