ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (Interstat) — A surging Boise State team aims to continue its climb in the Mountain West standings when it visits first-place New Mexico in a pivotal conference matchup Saturday at The Pit.

The Broncos (14-9, 8-3 MW) have won five of their last six games, including a 91-87 overtime victory over Nevada on Tuesday. Their recent success contrasts with the Lobos (18-5, 9-2), who look to rebound from a surprising 86-66 home loss to Utah State that snapped a five-game winning streak.

This contest is a rematch of a Dec. 30 meeting in Boise, where the Broncos held New Mexico to a season-low 53 points in a 62-53 victory. Replicating that defensive effort on the road will be a formidable challenge. The Pit, one of the nation’s most hostile environments, has been a fortress for the Lobos, who are 12-1 at home this season.

Boise State will lean on guard Dylan Andrews, who is averaging 18.4 points over his last five games. He erupted for 25 points and six assists in the win over Nevada. His backcourt battle with New Mexico’s Tomislav Buljan will be key. Buljan, a consistent scorer, has averaged 16.3 points over his last six outings.

The Broncos’ recent surge has been fueled by offensive efficiency, scoring 89 or more points in three of their last four wins. They will need that firepower against a New Mexico defense that, despite the Utah State setback, ranks among the conference’s best.

For the Lobos, responding to adversity is the theme. Their loss to Utah State was their most lopsided of the season and exposed potential vulnerabilities. How they adjust against a confident Boise State team will test their championship mettle.

A win would bolster New Mexico’s hold on the top spot in the league, while a Boise State victory would create a logjam at the summit and complete a regular-season sweep of the Lobos. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. MST Saturday.