MWC Basketball Semi-Finals Preview

1. 4.

630PM PT TV:CSTV PPV

BYU shrugged off a slow first half to roll over Colorado State 89-62 to advance to the semifinals against San Diego State. However the Aztecs had a struggle by only defeating Air Force by 4 points. If San Diego State plays like they did yesterday there is no way they will be able to defeat BYU. Each time these teams met in the regular season they were both close games with each team splitting one a piece, but San Diego State has gone only 5-5 in their last 10 and that includes loses to TCU and Air Force. The Aztecs are an athletic team, but have inconsistent play and seem to almost always underachieve ever since Steve Fisher has been in San Diego. BYU has been strong all year, and the Cougs might struggle early on because they are not at home in the Marriott Center, but by the end Lee Cummard and Trent Plaisted will take BYU to victory just by being a better team.

2. 6.

9PM PT TV: CSTV PPV

Both teams are surprised to be in this scenario, as posted yesterday UNLV got some home cookin' from the refs for calling a phantom foul with under four seconds in a two point game. That is the point where you swallow your whistle unless something is very obvious. UNLV ended up squeaking by TCU 89-88 and is facing the Utes who finally found a way to win a game rather then lose the game. The Utes essentially ended New Mexico's chances at going to the dance. Utah defeated New Mexico in overtime 82-80 and this game will be a rematch of last Saturday's showdown where UNLV escaped with a victory by winning 70-63 the game was actually closer then the score indicated. If Utah can play with the passion, mistake free ball, and have Luke Nevill show up again then this game will come down to the wire. UNLV was vulnerable to the 3 point shot against TCU, and Utah has some good three point shooters in Johnny Bryant and Shaun Green. The Rebels have the home court and the tournament experience and should pull this out, but do not be shocked if Utah makes a run at winning this game.