Tag: Mountain West Basketball

2023 Mountain West Tournament: #3 Utah State vs. #2 Boise State–Preview, Odds, Prediction

Utah State and Boise State meet in Vegas in the Mountain West Conference’s second semifinal. Here’s a preview.

2023 Mountain West Tournament: #3 Utah State vs. #2 Boise State–Preview, Odds, Prediction

Aggies, Broncos meet in Mountain West Tournament Semifinal

https://twitter.com/coachmosser & @MWCwire

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What: Mountain West Tournament Semifinal #2
Who: #3 Utah State Aggies vs. #2 Boise State Broncos
When: Friday, March 10th – 9:00 PT
Where: Thomas & Mack Center; Las Vegas, NV
How To Watch: CBS Sports Network
How to stream: FuboTV — Gt a free trial
Odds: Utah State -2 Over/Under 145

A thrilling two days of action in the Mountain West Conference Tournament has left us with a couple of compelling semifinal matchups. The second of those is an absolute doozy, as piping hot Utah State will take on rival Boise State. The two met a week ago in Logan, with the Aggies controlling it from start to finish, winning by double figures. The Broncos will feel as though they didn’t put their best foot forward in that one, as they were a few days removed from a massive home win over San Diego State, and may have been a bit off their best form.

Last night, Boise State needed to work overtime, literally, to knock off the host Runnin Rebels. They were on absolute fire early, hitting 9 of their first 12 three-point attempts, and scoring 50 in the first 20 minutes. They cooled off after the break and actually trailed with a few minutes left. Marcus Shaver and Naje Smith made some big shots to reclaim the lead, before UNLV fired in a prayer at the buzzer to force the extra period. The OT was all Boise State though, and they have put themselves in position to defend their tourney title.

That will take a tremendous effort, even to get to Saturday’s title bout, as their Friday opponent is firing on all cylinders right now. The Aggies played from the front all night against New Mexico, with Taylor Funk scoring his team’s first 16 points, knocking in shots from all over. When the Lobos made it more difficult on Funk, all-conference performer Steven Ashworth got going, to keep UNM at bay. That was the story of the 2nd half too, as the Lobos repeated attempts to close the gap were answered by Utah State. The Aggies have a lot of weapons, and their defense has improved throughout the season as well.

Both of these squads seem to like shooting inside the Thomas & Mack Center. Utah State has played there twice in the last 10 days, and scored 91 each time. The Broncos shot the ball really well in both of their road victories against UNLV. They have each traveled well to Vegas and the atmosphere should be tremendous. They should also both be in good position to hear their name called on Selection Sunday should they not earn the automatic bid here. That’s not the goal though, it’s to win two more games and cut the nets down Saturday night. This is as tough a call as we’ve had to make all season long, as the feeling here is that if they played 10 times it would be a 5-5 split. Since this is a one-and-done, let’s go with the slightly better defensive team in a tight one.

Prediction: Boise State 72 Utah State 69


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2023 Mountain West Conference Tourney: New Mexico vs. Utah State

Game Preview: New Mexico vs. Utah State Utah State look to put away New Mexico for second time this season and advance. Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire New Mexico and Utah State meet for only the second time this season. But with so much on …

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 Game Preview: New Mexico vs. Utah State

Utah State look to put away New Mexico for second time this season and advance. 

Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire

New Mexico and Utah State meet for only the second time this season. But with so much on the line. 

WHO: No. 3 seed Utah  (24-7, 13-5 T-2nd place in the MWC) vs. No. 6 seed New Mexico (22-10, 9-10 6th in the MWC)

WHEN: February 9th, 2023-9:30 PM MT/8:30 PM PT

WHERE: Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, NV

Stream:  CBS Sports or get a free trial on FuboTV

Odds:  Aggies are favored by 2 points, per KenPom

The Mountain West Conference has experienced a resurgence on the national stage this past season. Ranked ahead of of the ACC in the KenPom conference rankings and on the heels of the Pac-12. Competition in the conference is at an all time high.

Thursday’s late night matchup between the No. 3 seed Utah State Aggies and a revenge seeking No. 6 seed New Mexico Lobos squad should be a prime example of that.

2023 Mountain West Basketball Tournament: Bracket Set, TV Schedule, Live Stream

Last Time Out

These programs only met on the hardwood once this season. That being a 84-73 Aggie win over a red hot Lobo team in Logan back on February 1st.

Utah State had four players reach double figures in that one. As Richard Pitino’s group learned just how hard the Aggies are to beat inside the Dee Smith Spectrum (a record of 14-2 at home this season).

Utah State was led by a player with a familiar last name for Lobo fans, Sean Bairstow. Yes, the little brother of former Lobo great Cameron Bairstow in the early 2010s. The 6-8 guard and mismatch nightmare dropped 20 points and grabbed five rebounds to help his team secure the win over a quality Lobo squad at home.

New Mexico 

Now the Lobos are out for revenge. Or maybe more of a convincing win to show onlookers of the conference, they are as dangerous as ever. With wins over some of the conference’s best and maybe the best non-conference performance this season, New Mexico is the dark horse candidate everyone doesn’t want to see on their side of the bracket this week.

After a come from behind 87-76 win over a pesky Wyoming squad in the first round on Wednesday afternoon. The Lobos are riding high on their winning momentum and when hot, can beat any team in the Mountain West.

They play their best basketball when their three-headed attack of Jaelen House, Jamal Mashburn Jr. & Morris Udeze catch fire. While playing at a high tempo full of fast breaks and points in the paint.

Utah State

The Aggies haven’t missed a beat in the post Craig Smith era in Logan. Ryan Odom came over from UMBC after success in the big dance. And in just year two, has Utah State back in the title race conversation. They do so, with arguably the best offense in the Mountain West.

They have five players averaging double figures, the unanimous Mountain West 6th Man of the Year in Dan Akin and shoot the three ball at a high rate.

The Lobos also have one of the best offenses in the conference, but the Aggies themselves have the depth and know how to get the ball to whichever hand is the hottest every night. A program this bought into playing team basketball can beat anybody any given night.

Players to Watch

New Mexico: Sr. G Jaelen House

Jaelen House showed last night just how much he can impact the floor for New Mexico. The 6-0 floor general is usually sparking fast breaks off turnovers, disrupting ball movement at the top of the arc all while putting points on the board to the tune of 28 points, 7 rebounds & 6 assists in Wednesdays win over Wyoming.

When House is hot, the Lobos are hot and his 17.1 PPG, 4.8 APG, 4.0 RPG & 2.6 SPG show the damage he can do when healthy and hungry for his team to succeed. Four games in four days is a lot to ask of a player like House, who makes folks watching him at home tired from his style of play. But he is also mentally driven to win. Which can be the x-factor for an upset Thursday night.

Utah State: Jr. G Steven Ashworth

The Alpine, UT native has taken charge of leading this surging Aggies program. Like several local high scoring guards before him, Ashworth, who was named to the all-conference first team yesterday. Is the offensive catalyst on the conference’s best offensive team.

The 6-1 floor general is averaging 16.3 PPG, 4.7 APG, 3.4 RPG & 1.1 SPG while shooting 46.7% from the floor, a whopping 45.0% from deep and a marvelous 88.9% from the charity stripe.

Not to mention a mere 1.5 turnovers a game as the team’s leading scorer and facilitator.

If the rest from the Aggies’ first round bye has done Ashworth well and he brought his A game to Vegas, I see him in the title game with San Diego State on Saturday.

Prediction: Utah State 80, New Mexico 75

I would love to see the Lobos make the Thomas and Mack Center the “Pit West” again by cutting down the nets on Saturday. But with such a reliance on their three leading scorers and such a short bench. It would take a poor performance from several of Utah State’s players and a perfect defensive effort by New Mexico to secure the upset.

I think the fight and energy the Lobos displayed in the first round keeps it close. But with rest and so much fire power on Coach Odom’s squad, I see them advancing for a showdown with the team they tied for second in the regular season with.

Larry Muniz covers college basketball as a writer for Mountain West Wire and WAC Hoops Digest. Also as a co-host of the college basketball podcast “Hoops Talk W/Jay & Larry”. He is also a USWBA Member.

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2023 Mountain West Tournament: #7 UNLV vs. #2 Boise State–Preview, Odds, Prediction

UNLV and Boise State meet Thursday night in quarterfinal action of the Mountain West Tournament. Here’s a preview.

2023 Mountain West Tournament: #7 UNLV vs. #2 Boise State–Preview, Odds, Prediction

Rebels, Broncos meet in conference quarterfinals

https://twitter.com/coachmosser & @MWCwire

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What: Mountain West Conference Tournament Game 6
Who: #7 UNLV Runnin’ Rebels vs. # 2 Boise State Broncos
When: Thursday, March 9th – 6:00 PT
Where: Thomas & Mack Center; Las Vegas, NV
How To Watch: CBS Sports Network
How To Stream: FuboTV — get a seven-day trial
Odds: Boise State -5 Over/Under 137.5

The Mountain West Conference Tournament will reach its midway point with game 6 of 11 on Thursday night, and it should be must-see TV, with host UNLV taking on Boise State. The Rebels advanced with an overtime win over Air Force on opening day, largely on the back of EJ Harkless and his 35 points. Boise State earned a first round bye as the 2 seed.

UNLV will welcome Keshon Gilbert back for this game, and you can bet he will be ready to go. The playmaking guard was suspended for a minor scuffle in Saturday’s come from behind victory over in-state rival Nevada. He’ll have fresh legs, and provide some much needed scoring support for Harkless. The Rebels also have several streaky shooters, Jordan McCabe, Justin Webster, and Jackie Johnson who all seem to have the green light from anywhere at any time.

2023 Mountain West Basketball Tournament: Bracket Set, TV Schedule, Live Stream

This is a huge game for Boise State, who despite knocking off league champ San Diego State last week, seem to be hanging around near the bubble according to most bracketologists. A loss here would leave them sweating out selection Sunday, something no one enjoys. They followed up that huge win by dropping the regular season finale in Logan to Utah State. The Broncos did not have their legs in that one, and never really were in the game. With almost a full week to rest, they should be in top form for tip off here. They also possess an incredibly balanced lineup, with multiple guys capable of going for 20 on a given night. Max Rice has had a great season, Tyson Degenhart is as consistent as they come, and of course they have the closer – Marcus Shaver, who has knocked down countless big shots over the course of his career.

Boise State swept the two meetings between these two, winning easily in Vegas, before eking out a win at home a few weeks back. While there was not much of a crowd during Wednesday afternoon’s game, expect a bit more of an atmosphere as this is the front half of a doubleheader that will feature New Mexico-Utah State in game two. This game could feature a series of big runs, with the Rebels capable of dropping 3’s in bunches, and the Broncos skilled at locking down an opponent and forcing long scoring droughts. Ultimately, Boise State’s defense will be the difference, and the call is for them to advance to Friday night’s second semifinal.

Prediction: Boise State 71 UNLV 63


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2023 MWC Tournament: Lobos Push Past Wyoming To Advance To Quarterfinals

Game Recap: New Mexico 87, Wyoming 76 House helps Lobos bring “The Pit West” label back to Vegas. Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire New Mexico’s three-man offensive attack shows out against Wyoming, advances to quarterfinals. Las Vegas, …

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 Game Recap: New Mexico 87, Wyoming 76

House helps Lobos bring “The Pit West” label back to Vegas.

Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire

New Mexico’s three-man offensive attack shows out against Wyoming, advances to quarterfinals. 

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Las Vegas, NV–Rounding out Mountain West Conference action on the men’s side was a doozy. New Mexico versus Wyoming, both squads hitting the hardwood on day one of the festivities inside the Thomas and Mack Center. When both likely thought their respective seasons would have had very different endings with much higher seeds.

Still, the stage was set. The Lobos having not won a game inside “The Pit West” in three years. Nor have they advanced past the first round of the tournament since the 2019-2020 season. While Wyoming faithful thought their season would have turned out much different, but hoping for some underdog luck. All involved know this is March and anything is possible.

Things began as expected, Wyoming came out swinging. With a short bench but showing no fatigue from a grueling and long season. Ball movement and assists were in short supply (only 3 assists to 2 turnovers). Instead solid defense and 20 points on 5-10 shooting (including 3-4 from deep) and 7-9 from the free throw line from Hunter Maldonado led the way.

His first-half performance put the Cowboys ahead of New Mexico 38-35 going into the halftime break. But, even with a solid game plan that exploited the few weaknesses of their opponents. An offensive outburst by a dangerous Lobo squad out of the gate was too much to overcome.

The Lobos fixed a problem that had plagued them all season long. Slow starts out of half-time and lapses in defense. That wasn’t an issue for coach Pitino’s side as they were firing on all cylinders against the Cowboys. Outscoring Wyoming 52-38 in the second-half, including 40 points from their big 3. While making defensive stops on every other Cowboy on the floor without the last name Maldonado.

A 32-16 run with eight minutes left in the game gave Richard Pitino’s squad the spark they needed. While it also gave Wyoming’s hot hand some motivation of his own, not letting up en route to a career high. Though nearing the four minute mark, the Lobos took their biggest lead of the game, 76-61 and with very little going wrong for a surging New Mexico.

Hunter Maldonado fouled out with about a minute left, after a career high 36 points. Emotions ran high, as the redshirt senior was understandably upset as he was doing everything he could to help his team win on Wednesday night.

After that others like Xavier DuSell and Jeremiah Oden did their best to continue chasing the Lobos in hopes of a March Madness miracle, but Lobos held out.

With a high scoring trio of Jaelen House, Jamal Mashburn Jr. and Morris Udeze being responsible for 74.7% (65/87) of the team’s final tally. Playing with energy and conviction missing during the month of February.

Securing the 87-76 win over, what New Mexico Head coach described as an extremely tough eleven seed. Another testament to just how strong of a conference the Mountain West has been this season.

Player Spotlights

New Mexico:  Sr. G Jaelen House

New Mexico’s three-headed attack makes player of the game/player spotlight selections so difficult. All year long, three Lobos usually score 15+ points a game or make the game winning shot. But all year long, Jaelen House has been the Lobo catalyst, on both sides of the ball.

Wednesday afternoon was no different for the senior floor general. His team high 28 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists and three steals were just what the doctor ordered. Shooting 53.3% (8-15) from the floor and a perfect 10-10 from the free throw line, House led his team out of the desert and further towards the promise land.

“I don’t want to go home. I want to get to the tournament, and all we got to do is win. So that’s what we’re going to do.” said House in the postgame

Wyoming:  R-Sr. G Hunter Maldonado

Maldonado will go down as a Mountain West great after a storied career in Laramie. After putting his name in the conference record books this season as the Mountain West’s all-time leader in assists. His last trip to Las Vegas was surely going to be a show.

Even though his team didn’t come out with the win, Maldonado’s last hurrah was still a great cherry on top of a great collegiate career.

Contributing a career high 36 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists on 57.8% (11-19) from the floor, 66.6% (4-6) and 83.3% (10-12) from the free throw line. To say he left everything on the floor is an understatement.

Four Takeaways

  • Both teams quite frankly did not disappoint. New Mexico is a dark horse favorite for media and fans of the conference nationwide. They have the offensive fire power to make a run to the championship game. And a playing style made to build endurance, even if four wins in four games is a lot to ask.
  • While Wyoming honestly gave it all they had left in the tank. You couldn’t ask more of a team who has been decimated by injuries the way the Cowboys have. They never let up and their leaders led this team all the way to the final second of their season, that’s impressive. Definitely giving fans in Laramie all of the hope for years to come that they have the right man in charge of their program.
  • New Mexico has given fans in Albuquerque an emotional rollercoaster of a season this year. A massive turnaround of the program has helped fans pour into The Pit in droves this year. But multiple buzzer beater losses and unexpected losing skids have rattled the Lobo faithful. Who themselves have several past coaching tenures they’d love to get out of their mind sooner rather than later. Wednesday’s win over Wyoming really reignites a supportive fanbase during the best month of the year for college basketball fans, The Pit West is back.
  • Hunter Maldonado leaves the floor as one of the all-time great Cowboys and Mountain West players after his six year career in Laramie. Fans around the country may rejoice that the 6-7 swiss army knife floor general will no longer be suiting up for Wyoming going forward. But loves of the game will surely miss him. Maldonado had the ability to facilitate offense like a conductor of a symphony when he had targets like Drake Jefferies & Graham Ike last season to pass to. As well as take over a game as fans were reminded inside the Thomas & Mack Center on Wednesday against the Lobos. His potential as a future professional is high, something for everyone around the program to rejoice in after a hard fought loss.

Next Up:

The Lobos (22-10, 9-10) get the job done and advance, out of the first round for the first time in two years. A performance reminiscent of a Lobo squad nearly a decade earlier, momentum for tomorrow’s quarterfinal showdown with No. 3 seed Utah State is high.

“We were offensively phenomenal in the second half. When we are clicking like that, we are really hard to stop.” coach Pitino

New Mexico is looking for a revenge win over an Aggie team that sparked a four game losing streak for coach Pitino’s squad back in February. Tip-off is schedule for 9:30 PM MT/8:30 PM PT and can be viewed on CBS Sports Network.

While the Cowboys (9-22, 4-15) are heading home early. After an amazing effort during a really challenging season to persevere through. Fans can continue to wonder, what would have happened in one last season of Ike and  Maldonado healthy and on the floor could have been.

Larry Muniz covers college basketball as a writer for Mountain West Wire and WAC Hoops Digest. Also as a co-host of the college basketball podcast “Hoops Talk W/Jay & Larry”. He is also a USWBA Member.

Mountain West Conference Tournament: #5 San Jose State vs. #4 Nevada–Prediction, How to Watch, Odds

San Jose State and Nevada meet in Mountain West Conference Tournament quarterfinal action. Here’s a preview.

Mountain West Conference Tournament: #5 San Jose State vs. #4 Nevada–Prediction, How to Watch, Odds

Spartans, Wolf Pack meet in MWC Tournament Quarterfinals

https://twitter.com/coachmosser & @MWCwire

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What: Mountain West Tournament Game 5
Who: #5 San Jose State Spartans vs. #4 Nevada Wolf Pack
When: Thursday, March 9th – 2:30 PT
Where: Thomas & Mack Center; Las Vegas, NV
How To Watch: CBS Sports Network
Live stream: FuboTV — get a free trial
Odds: Nevada -5 Over/Under 131

San Jose State and Nevada will meet for the third time this season in the quarterfinals of the Mountain West Conference Tournament. The two teams are trending in opposite directions, with the Spartans winners of three straight, and the Wolf Pack coming off a disastrous week. It was one that really saw their NCAA Tournament profile take a big hit. A road loss to last place Wyoming was bad enough, but they blew a big lead late on Saturday to in-state rival UNLV and fell in overtime. The back-to-back defeats dropped Nevada from around an 8 or 9 seed according to most bracketologists, to squarely on the bubble (the last four in/first four out batch of teams). That makes this game enormous for multiple reasons for the Pack. Obviously the winner of this will move on to Friday night’s semifinal against the winner of Thursday’s first game between Colorado State and top seeded San Diego State. But a loss by Nevada is going to put them in a precarious position on Selection Sunday.

The task will not be easy here, as San Jose State is playing very good basketball and is brimming with confidence. They have the freshly named Mountain West Coach of the Year in Tim Miles, and the Player of the Year – Omari Moore. The Spartans finished the regular season with an upset over Boise State, a blowout of Colorado State, and a 20-point rally/come from behind victory at Air Force. Miles has squeezed the best out of this squad, the role players are playing their roles and Moore is performing at an extremely efficient rate, hence his POY award.

This does not seem to be a good matchup for San Jose State, as two of their worst performances of the season came against Nevada. The Wolf Pack possess an elite wing defender in Tre Coleman, who can bother Moore, and slow him down better than most in the conference. They also have a stretch big, Will Baker, who while he is great in the paint, can also pull the Spartans rim protector Ibrahima Diallo away from the basket with his threat of knocking down jump shots.

Do you go with the hot hand or do you go with the better matchup? Wolf Pack boss Steve Alford has a history of performing well in the MWCT, mostly while with New Mexico, but he’ll have his work cut out for him getting his troops to put the late collapse versus UNLV behind them. This one should be tight all the way through, but Nevada has a bit too many bullets in the chamber and should move on to Friday’s semis.

Prediction: Nevada 73 San Jose State 67


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2023 Mountain West Women’s Basketball Championship: Game Preview, How To Watch

UNLV looks to cap a historic run through the Mountain West while Wyoming hopes to play spoiler. Here’s how to watch and what to watch for.

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2023 Mountain West Women’s Basketball Championship: Game Preview, How To Watch

UNLV looks to finish a historic run through the Mountain West while Wyoming hopes to play spoiler. Here’s how to watch and what to watch for.

Contact/Follow @MattK_FS & @MWCwire

Who will come out on top?

2023 MOUNTAIN WEST WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONSHIP: #1 UNLV Lady Rebels (30-2, 18-0 Mountain West) vs. #2 Wyoming Cowgirls (22-9, 13-5 Mountain West)

WHEN: Wednesday, March 8 — 7:00 PM PT/8:00 PM MT

WHERE: Thomas & Mack Center; Las Vegas, NV

TV: CBS Sports Network

STREAMING: Fans can sign up to receive a free one-week trial of Fubo, which includes CBSSN, by following this link.

TOURNAMENT TO DATE: UNLV defeated #8 Nevada 84-47 on Monday and then defeated #5 San Diego State 71-68 on Tuesday, while Wyoming defeated #10 San Jose State 72-57 on Monday and #3 Colorado State 65-56 on Tuesday.

WEBSITES: UNLVRebels.com, the official UNLV athletics website | GoWyo.com, the official Wyoming athletics website

GAME NOTES (PDF): UNLV | Wyoming

The opening round of the Mountain West men’s basketball tournament is set to begin in Las Vegas this morning, but hoops fanatics will want to stick around Thomas & Mack until the night to potentially witness history.

UNLV’s Lady Rebels, led by head coach Lindy La Rocque and the trio of Desi-Rae Young, Essence Booker, and Justice Etheridge, hope to cap an undefeated run through the Mountain West, the first since 2015-16, and claim their second straight bid in the NCAA tournament. They dispatched rival Nevada and survived a serious upset bid from San Diego State to reach the title game, but they won’t have it easy against their championship opponent.

That’s because Wyoming comes into the evening having won eight of ten since the start of February and can boast of having one of the conference’s most efficient shooters and rebounders in sophomore center Allyson Fertig. Though UNLV won both regular season matchups, the Cowgirls won’t back down after having taken care of business against San Jose State and rival CSU. In a matchup of the last two tournament champions, only one will get an opportunity at this year’s big dance.

Players to Watch

She wasn’t selected as the conference player of the year again, but Desi-Rae Young is still UNLV’s most important player. Young was an all-conference selection for the second straight year after making the all-freshman team back in 2021 and has been no less dominant on the court as a junior, leading the Mountain West with ten rebounds per game while finishing second with 17.8 points per game.

Young has a wealth of help on the floor, though, from senior guard Essence Booker (19.0 PPG, 89.4% on free throws in two tournament games) to sophomore Justice Etheridge (15.5 PPG in the tourney) to sixth player of the year Kiara Jackson. Sophomore forward Alyssa Brown has also been clutch in the tournament, averaging seven rebounds in the first two games while contributing 9.5 PPG, as well.

For Wyoming, Allyson Fertig is the top player to watch. After being tabbed as the Mountain West’s freshman of the year in 2021-22, the sophomore center from Glendo was one of two Cowgirls named to the all-conference team after finishing third overall with 13.4 points per game and second behind Young with 9.2 rebounds per contest. Unlike Young, however, Fertig was one of two Mountain West players to average two blocks per game, as well, meaning that play under the basket at both ends is likely to dictate a lot of how the game shakes out.

Additionally, don’t overlook Malene Petersen, who succeeded Fertig as the conference’s top freshman this season. She and guard Quinn Weidemann averaged 11.1 and 11.4 PPG, respectively, which made the Cowgirls the only team in the Mountain West to have three players finish in the top 15 within that category.

Lastly, junior forward Grace Ellis has raised her game in the tournament and may be an X-factor to keep an eye on. She’s averaged 8.9 PPG and 4.6 RPG in the season to date, but she put up a double-double in the team’s victory over CSU on Tuesday night and could do a lot of heavy lifting to take pressure off of Fertig near the basket.

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2023 Mountain West Conference Tournament: #8 Colorado State vs #9 Fresno State

Colorado State faces Fresno State in the opening contest of the MW tournament. Can CSU overcome a down season or will the Bulldogs go over?

2023 Mountain West Conference Tournament: #8 Colorado State vs #9 Fresno State

The Rams host their in-state foe

Contact/Follow @J0shFr3d & @MWCwire

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Can the Rams play their game?

WHO: #9 Fresno State Bulldogs vs. #8 Colorado State Rams

WHEN: Wednesday, March 8th — 12 p.m. MST / 11 a.m. PST

WHERE: Thomas & Mack Center; Las Vegas, NV (18,000)

STREAMING: Mountain West Network

SERIES RECORD: This will be the 45th all time matchup between the two schools. CSU leads the series 25-19

LAST MEETING: Colorado State won 60-57 in Fresno earlier this season.

ODDS: Colorado State -1.5

The Mountain West tournament is here. And that means throw the regular season out of the window. Every team is 0-0 in each game in a do or die matchup. Anything can happen and since it’s in Vegas, something crazy is bound to happen.

The first matchup of this years tournament sees the Fresno State Bulldogs take on the Colorado State Rams. Both teams are coming in off of down years and both teams have a chance to take this game. Colorado State swept the season series, but Fresno State didn’t make it easy.

Players to Watch

G Anthony Holland – Fresno State

Held relatively quiet in their first matchup, Holland stepped up in the second matchup in the abscence of Isaih Moore. He finished with 14 points and five rebounds, while going 60% from deep. CSU has a tendency to let someone get hot from deep. If that guy is Holland, the Bulldogs could take this one.

G John Tonje – Colorado State

As Tonje goes, the Rams go. Isaiah Stevens is the leader of this team, but Tonje is the motor that keeps it running. When Tonje has a down overall game, so do the Rams. When he is all over the court, the Rams can run wild. If the Rams want to advance Tonje has to step up.

Things to Watch

Can the Rams move the ball? Can Colorado State hold the line on defense? Can the Bulldogs slow down the Rams? Can Fresno State gets anything going on offense? These are all questions that will determine the outcome of this game.

The Rams like to score, they haven’t done that well on the defensive end this year. If the Rams can play their game and hold the Bulldogs down they can advance. The Bulldogs slow it down and drag things out. If they can force the Rams into tough shots and make easier shots themselves, Fresno State will come out on top.

Predictions

Neither Colorado State nor Fresno State has been exceptional this year. Fresno State scares San Diego State more, but the Bulldogs haven’t done well against the Rams this season. Expect the Rams to start fast and finish this game strong to salvage something from this season.

Final Score: Colorado State 70, Fresno State 62

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2023 Mountain West Basketball Tournament: Does Fresno State Have A Prayer?

The Bulldogs aren’t expected to do much in Las Vegas, but how could they defy the odds to make some noise?

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2023 Mountain West Basketball Tournament: Does Fresno State Have A Prayer?

The Bulldogs aren’t expected to do much in Las Vegas, but how could they defy the odds to make some noise?

Contact/Follow @MattK_FS, @HardwoodTalk, & @MWCwire

Anything could happen, right?

To say that the Fresno State Bulldogs face long odds at winning the Mountain West tournament is putting it lightly. Only two teams have been given longer odds to win it all, especially considering that heavy favorite San Diego State awaits should the ‘Dogs defeat Colorado State in the opening round.

Crazier things have happened, though. As Ken Pomeroy pointed out, seven different teams have won the conference tournament in the last nine years, so why not this year’s Bulldogs? Though they enter with an overall record of 11-19, Fresno State has gone 4-5 since February 3, including wins over UNLV and San Jose State. They also lost to San Diego State, Colorado State, and Nevada down the stretch by just nine combined points, so here’s what can be done to reverse their fortunes and pull a surprise (and maybe more) at Thomas and Mack.

1. Get Jemarl Baker hot.

Baker was one of two Fresno State players to earn an all-conference honorable mention and he finished the regular season with a singularly dominant performance against Chicago State: 43 points, 10-of-11 three-point shooting, seven assists, six rebounds, and zero turnovers. While setting the bar that high again for the tourney is asking a bit much, there’s no question the team goes as Baker goes.

That’s especially true when considering his efficacy from beyond the arc. In ten wins with Baker on the floor, he’s shot 49.1% from three-point range; in 16 losses, that rate plummets to 24.2%. Finding a happy medium, at least, will give the Bulldogs a fighting chance.

2. Stay strong at the free throw line.

Fresno State has struggled all year long from the field, mustering a 43.1% field goal percentage that’s dead last in the Mountain West headed into the tournament, but only Nevada and Utah State have done more from the charity stripe. The Bulldogs have made 76.8% of their free throws this season, exactly the kind of skill that could pull them through a tight contest late.

3. Get Eduardo Andre some help on the boards.

He hasn’t received as much attention as teammates like Baker and Isaiah Hill, but Andre has pretty quietly been an important part of Fresno State’s defensive prowess. The 6-foot-11 Nebraska transfer led the Mountain West in conference play with 1.72 blocks per game and seventh with 6.67 rebounds per contest, meaning he’s done an admirable job replacing the injured Isaih Moore.

The problem is the Bulldogs haven’t often provided a ton of other assistance in Moore’s absence. Indeed, no other Fresno State player even ranks in the top 25 by rebounds per game in Mountain West play, which stands in stark contrast to the six other teams who have multiple athletes there, and it’s not a coincidence that they pushed San Diego State to the brink back in February on the strength of one of their strongest team rebounding performances.

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2023 Mountain West Conference Tourney: No. 6 New Mexico vs. No. 11 Wyoming

New Mexico vs. Wyoming: Preview Both squads hoping for some March Madness Magic on Wednesday. Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire Cowboys & Lobos take the best of three approach in first round of Mountain West Conference Tournament. WHO: No. 6 …

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New Mexico vs. Wyoming: Preview

Both squads hoping for some March Madness Magic on Wednesday.

Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire

Cowboys & Lobos take the best of three approach in first round of Mountain West Conference Tournament.

WHO: No. 6 seed New Mexico (21-10, 8-10 6th in the MWC), No. 11 seed Wyoming Cowboys (9-21, 4-11 last place in the MWC)

WHEN: February 8th, 2023-5:00 PM MT/4:00 PM PT

WHERE: Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, NV

Stream:  Mountain West Network

Odds:  Lobos favored by 9 points, per KenPom

Thanksgiving and Christmas came and went. While the shortest month of the year lived up to it’s reputation. Before we knew it March Madness had arrived. With all teams heading for Las Vegas for four straight days of basketball.

This season was an absolute battle field for all teams involved in conference play. Night in and night out, anyone was capable of being beaten. San Diego State beats Nevada, while New Mexico beats San Diego State, while ultimately Nevada sweeps New Mexico.

That pattern was repeated all across the Mountain West. Hopefully some of that firepower and upset potential makes it’s way to the Thomas & Mack Center this week.

Rounding out the tournament action on day one are two teams that made conference play very interesting this year. The New Mexico Lobos who came in red hot and eventually sizzled out for a mid-table season finish. And the Wyoming Cowboys who fell very short of the preseason hype and expectation fell far. All the way to the conference cellar this year.

In a down year for Wyoming, the Cowboys played some of their best basketball against the Lobos each time they met on the hardwood. They split the series this year in spectacular fashion.

A down to the wire thriller in Laramie that was nearly the Lobos’ first loss of the season. To be followed up by a 14-point road win on Valentine’s day inside a jumping Pit.

Both teams also posted upsets over several league leaders in conference play, each program battle now tested and ready to put on a show.

New Mexico

The Lobos hit the road to Las Vegas as the No. 6 seed in the tournament. A strong start to the 2022-2023 season, which included an undefeated conference slate, several weeks in the AP top-25 & sell out crowds.

It truly felt like a reemergence of Lobo basketball, in just the second year of head coach Richard Pitino’s time in Albuquerque.

Led by a three-headed monster in graduate transfer Morris Udeze, Jamal Mashburn Jr. and Jaelen House. New Mexico thrives when those three are locked and loaded on both sides of the ball. With an up tempo preference and majority of their points coming inside the paint and from the free throw line. Ask any team inside the top-5 (with the exception of Utah State), the Lobos can play.

The Lobos haven’t advanced past the first round of the tournament since the 2019-2020 season. A win over Wyoming sending them to the quarterfinals will be yet another example of Pitino’s progress with the New Mexico program.

Wyoming

Wyoming was meant to challenge for a conference championship this season. With the preseason Player of the Year Graham Ike and senior swiss army knife Hunter Maldonado returning to lead a deep roster with veterans and high major transfers alike. Big things were expected in Laramie.

But, maybe one of the worst cases of the injury bug in a program combined with the departure of Jeff Linder’s Pac-12 imports last month placed them in dead last in the conference.

Even given the skeleton roster going into March, coach Linder boasts one of the best players in the conference in Maldonado. And players like Jeremiah Oden, Xavier DuSell & Brendan Wenzel are capable of scoring in double-digits too, especially with an unselfish 6-7 point guard dishing out assists.

The Cowboys, like most are hoping for any resemblance of an encore performance to last year’s squad in March. A Ike led Wyoming team fell in the semifinals to eventual champion Boise State, but then went on to Dayton as an at-large bid in the tournament. The likelihood that happens again is slim, but this is March, anything is possible.

Last Time  Out 

The Cowboys were able to secure some homecourt revenge over the Lobos in Albuquerque in their last meeting of the regular season. Wyoming was led by their pair of Hunters in that one.

With Hunter Maldonado logging a game high 20 points, 10 rebounds & 5 assists, while shooting 46.2% from the floor & 88.9% from the charity stripe. Hunter Thompson helped secure the road upset by contributing 12 points & 5 rebounds that night but also knocking down four threes.

The Lobos were without star floor general Jaelen House in that rematch. After suffering a hamstring injury that kept him out of half of New Mexico’s four game losing streak during the beginning of February. Mashburn Jr. chipped in 15 points in that loss while Udeze posted a double-double of 12 points & 17 rebounds.

Players to Watch

New Mexico

Gr. F Morris Udeze

The now media voted Mountain West Newcomer of the Year has indeed held true to that accolade this season. Since transferring from Wichita State last season, the big man has anchored the Lobo frontcourt. As a double-double machine and down low bully at 6-8, 240.

With a league leading 12 double-doubles this season, Udeze is averaging 16.4 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 1.3 APG while shooting 62.1% from the floor.

Udeze has been consistent for the Lobos throughout the season. Only failing to score in double figures, all 31 games and nearly 1,000 minutes on the court. Especially as of late, averaging 22.6 PPG, 10.2 RPG & shooting 73.7% from the floor and an improved 73.7% from the free throw line.

Sr. G Jaelen House

House worked his way into the all-conference first team this week after a stellar season, leading one of the Mountain West’s most resurgent programs. The 6-0 floor general has made his mark on the Lobo program ever since arriving from Arizona State two seasons ago. Currently averaging 16.8 PPG, 4.7 APG, 3.9 RPG & a league leading 2.6 SPG, House’s impact on the floor doesn’t go unnoticed.

As the first one on the floor diving for loose balls, the first one down the floor on fast break opportunities, House plays with intensity. He can also score at all three levels but excels when the game is fast on both ends. His backcourt teammate Jamal Mashburn Jr. leads the team in scoring, but House receives this spotlight simply for how much he does for the Lobos. When he is hot, New Mexico is a winner.

Wyoming

Sr. G Hunter Maldonado

The new all-time Mountain West Conference assist leader (627) and very likely all-time Cowboy great is dangerous with the ball in his hands. The 6-7 guard who can play positions 1-4, is averaging 14.8 PPG & 4.8 RPG in 28 games (all starts) this season.

As a scorer, capable of driving to the basket, drawing fouls and making the contested jumper. He does it all, including dishing the ball out (4.1 APG) and maintaining a defensive at the top of the key (1.4 SPG).

To say this team isn’t run through Maldonado would be a crime. And a big game from the redshirt senior could be the x-factor needed to sink the Lobos good season for good.

Sr. F Hunter Thompson

Possibly dubbed the other Hunter, or maybe the home state Hunter has managed to stave off all newcomers to secure his minutes on the floor this season. With preseason POY candidate Graham Ike suffering a season ending right foot injury, Thompson has attempted to fill the void. It’s a huge one, filled with energy in the paint, rebounds galore and a knack for scoring around the basket in droves.

Thompson has done his part, with a modest 6.8 PPG & 5.4 RPG in 25 games (all starts) this season. The most important aspect of his game though is his floor spacing ability. Averaging 1.6 made 3FGs a game on 5.0 attempts (31.7%), the 6-10 forward from Pine Bluffs is dangerous if he finds his rhythm. He played a big role in Wyoming’s 70-56 win over New Mexico on the road last month.

Prediction

New Mexico 75, Wyoming 70

This is a tough one to call, given the results of both regular season matches between these two. With short benches and less than optimal play as of late, I go to the stat sheets. To me New Mexico just has more fire power at the moment and if everything is cooking tomorrow afternoon and the Lobos get to dictate the tempo, it’s a no brainer. It will be close, but I see coach Pitino’s squad advancing in this one.

Larry Muniz covers college basketball as a writer for Mountain West Wire and WAC Hoops Digest. Also as a co-host of the college basketball podcast “Hoops Talk W/Jay & Larry”. He is also a USWBA Member.

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Mountain West Conference Tournament: Opening Round Preview

The Mountain West Conference Tournament gets underway Wednesday. Here’s an opening day preview.

Mountain West Conference Tournament: Opening Round Preview

3 games on Wednesday kick off the Mountain West Conference Tournament. Here’s a look.

https://twitter.com/coachmosser & @MWCwire

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What: Mountain West Conference Tournament Opening Round
When: Wednesday, March 8th – 11:00 AM PT, 1:30 PT, 4:00 PT
Where: Thomas & Mack Center; Las Vegas, NV
How to Watch: All 3 games can be Livestreamed on the Mountain West Network

After an absolutely thrilling two and a half months of conference play, all 11 men’s basketball teams will converge on the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas for the 2023 Mountain West Conference Tournament. With regular season champion San Diego State the only team really guaranteed to be in the 68 team field announced on Sunday night, every other program is fighting for their postseason life.

The true bubble teams (Boise State, Utah State, Nevada) don’t hit the court until the quarterfinals on Thursday, but first we have three competitive and intriguing games on Wednesday. Let’s take a quick look at the three with some thoughts on the matchup and each team’s potential to make a run to the weekend. Note the early start times; that is to accommodate the women’s tournament which will hold their championship game on Wednesday night.

Game 1: 11:00 AM PT – #9 Fresno State Bulldogs (11-19, 6-12) vs. #8 Colorado State Rams (14-17, 6-12)
Expected Point Spread: Colorado State -3

The tournament opens with the 8-9 game and two teams that underperformed a bit this year. Colorado State has dealt with injuries to multiple key contributors going all the way back to the preseason, but head coach Niko Medved has had the same 9 man rotation in the lineup for the last 3 weeks, so that provides some much needed continuity. The Rams of course, possess one of the best guards in the country in Isaiah Stevens, who enjoyed a memorable senior night last Friday in a win over New Mexico. Their problem has been a lack of consistent scoring to help Stevens. The defense has been leaky at times as well.

Defense cannot be blamed for Fresno State’s shortcomings. The Bulldogs defend as well as anyone in the Mountain West, but for much of the season they couldn’t hit water from a boat when firing from the perimeter. That’s what makes Saturday’s game one of the great anomalies of the entire season. As a team, Fresno State made 21-32 three-pointers, and Jemarl Baker Jr. himself connected on 10-11 for 43 points. Context must be given, as they were playing Chicago State, an independent playing their final game of the season, and maybe just out for a little vacation in the lovely Silicon Valley. Still, had the Bulldogs shot anywhere near that the last couple months they would have a few more wins for sure.

Colorado State won both meetings between the teams this year, winning easily in Fort Collins in early January, before a last second victory in Fresno a few weeks ago. Both teams have reasons to think they can give top seeded San Diego State problems in the quarters if they can get by this contest – the Rams took the Aztecs to overtime in January, while the Bulldogs lost a 45-43 rock fight in mid-February. This is Stevens last hurrah, and as one of the best players in the conference’s history, he will attempt to will his team deep into the weekend. But the hunch here is there’s some carryover from Fresno State’s offensive explosion, and the better defensive team comes away with the W.

Prediction: Fresno State 69 Colorado State 64

Game 2: 1:30 PT – #10 Air Force Falcons (14-17, 5-13) vs. #7 UNLV Runnin’ Rebels (18-12, 7-11)
Expected Point Spread: UNLV -8

The middle game of the day features UNLV taking on Air Force. With the tournament taking place on their home floor, the Runnin’ Rebels will be a trendy pick to play spoiler and possibly steal a bid from a bubble team by claiming the conference’s automatic bid, especially on the heels of Saturday’s dramatic come from behind overtime win in Reno against rival Nevada. The Rebels trailed by 8 with less than 2 minutes left before some late heroics. It was quite the turnaround from Wednesday’s lifeless performance on Senior Night against Utah State, when UNLV gave up the last 12 minutes and were run off Jerry Tarkanian court by 25 points.

Air Force has improved tremendously under Joe Scott. The problem is, the Mountain West is really good, and it’s not easy to show tangible progress. They were not within 2 possessions of the top 4 teams in any of their regular season meetings, so they’re not quite ready for that type of breakthrough, but the talent has been upgraded and the Falcons are no longer an easy victory, they make you work for it. The next step comes from closing out games. They lost their last 3 outings by a total of 8 points, and blew late leads in 2 of them.

One of those 3 games was the only meeting of the season between these two. It was not an aesthetically pleasing game – the Falcons shot 39%, the Rebels 41%, and there were a combined 33 turnovers. UNLV snatched victory from the jaws of defeat with a late EJ Harkless steal and bucket. Expect a bit more offense in this one, but we should still get a close game. The mid-afternoon Wednesday tip-off against AF is not likely to provide much of a home court advantage, and the Falcons hang around against just about everybody. If the Rebels don’t come prepared, their stay as host will be a short one. Eventually, it says here they will survive to Thursday, where they’ll present a tricky matchup for Boise State.

Prediction: UNLV 72 Air Force 67

Game 3: 4:00 PT – #11 Wyoming Cowboys (9-21, 4-14) vs. #6 New Mexico Lobos (21-10, 8-10)
Expected Point Spread: New Mexico -10

Wyoming and New Mexico will complete the opening day men’s tripleheader. For New Mexico, they know what’s in front of them; win 4 games in 4 days, or prepare for a home game at The Pit in the NIT. The Lobos have truly been one of the most entertaining teams in the country this season. Between packed houses at one of the best venues in the sport, a couple of star players (and a coach) with familiar last names, and some of the finishes to outstanding games, there has been no shortage of excitement for UNM fans. Of course, with some of that excitement has come heartbreak. Can they summon one final run to reward the large Lobo faithful expected to travel to Vegas?

Much like Colorado State, Wyoming has been snakebit by injuries, including to star forward Graham Ike, who has not suited up once for the Cowboys after a dominating 2021-22 campaign. Also like the Rams, Wyoming has one of the programs all-time best closing out his career in Hunter Maldonado. The 6th year senior was one rebound shy of a triple-double in his final home game last Monday against Nevada. Despite the injuries and dismissal of several other contributors (though that likely helped instead of hurt), this team has stuck together and played hard all season, a testament to head coach Jeff Linder.

These teams split two games, as UNM escaped Laramie with a one-point win on New Year’s Eve, before Wyoming drilled the Lobos in The Pit a few weeks ago. Jaelen House didn’t play, but his teammates didn’t really show up either, in what was by far their worst effort of the season. The Cowboys like to fire from deep, and with Maldonado creating open looks for his teammates and the overall length of Wyoming, this isn’t a great matchup for New Mexico. There isn’t a team in the field that the Lobos can’t beat, but they will have their hands full to win 4 straight, as they do not utilize much of a bench and the legs will be heavy later in the week. We have seen stranger things though, and a deep run by this group would surprise no one. They’ll have to work for it on Wednesday, but despite Maldonado’s best efforts, they should advance to a juicy matchup with Utah State late on Thursday night.

Prediction: New Mexico 81 Wyoming 74


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