Boise State opened its season Monday with one of the most shocking results in college basketball’s opening night, falling at home to Division II Hawaii Pacific 79-78.
The Broncos, projected third in the Mountain West and ranked No. 53 in KenPom’s preseason ratings, never found their rhythm against a Sharks team picked seventh in the Pacific West Conference. Hawaii Pacific led for more than 27 minutes, capitalizing on Boise State’s 12 turnovers to score 23 points off them.
Joshua West led the way for the Sharks with 23 points on 9-of-16 shooting, including three 3-pointers. The win marked Hawaii Pacific’s first ever over a Division I opponent.
This is not an understatement. One of the largest upsets in College Basketball History is Final:
— LeBrohm (@FrozoneFlores) November 4, 2025
D2 Hawaii-Pacific, a University in a former strip mall, and plays there home games at a former Franciscan Adult Day Center Facility just beat Mountain West member Boise State! Pic.twitter.com/JWPLwEBTIY
Boise State guard Dylan Andrews said afterward the Broncos lacked energy and focus. “We’ve just got to be more hungry,” Andrews said, according to the Idaho Statesman. “We underestimated the team."
Under coach Leon Rice, Boise State has been one of the nation’s most consistent mid-major programs, posting 20 or more wins in 12 of the past 14 full seasons. The loss, though not counted in the NCAA’s NET rankings, will linger on the Broncos’ tournament resume come March.
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