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1/12/08 Basketball Preview

(6-9)(11-4)

Marriott Center 4PM MT TV:

The Cougars are the last team to start conference play and the opponent could not be better for BYU, since they are coming off a disappointing loss to a mediocre Wake Forest team. Look for BYU to take out their frustration on Colorado State and also to increase their home winning streak to reach near 4o games. The Rams have lost 5 of 6 games and have not won a game against a division one opponent since defeating University of Denver back on December 5th. The Rams simply do not have the players to stop Trent Plaisted or Lee Cummard, but the Rams only chance they have is for the game to be a low scoring game because their last game against UNLV was close and if Colorado State can slow the clock then there is a chance for the Rams to stay close but BYU will run by at least 15.

(12-3)(8-6)

Clune Arena 4PM MT TV: NONE

For UNLV their conference opener was 3 point win over lowly Colorado State, and this being a more difficult location and slightly better team UNLV better show up. Air Force is not that great this year but at home the Falcons are always tough and play smart in every game. With Vegas to tend to play close games and play to the level of competition the Rebels are not like they were last year where they could play bad and still win. This years teams is younger and not quite as good as last year, but if the Rebels can play like they do the Falcons slow and precise play will not effect the outcome on this game. The Rebels should be able to take care of business in this game against the Falcons.

(6-7) (8-6)

Daniel-Meyer Coliseum 5PM CT TV: CSTV PPV

This game will be interesting because Wyoming has one of the best players in the league in Brandon Ewing but so far the Cowboys have underachieved, in my opinion. On the other hand TCU has been playing better then expected this year with 8 wins all ready this and is on pace for a few more wins then last year. The difference in this game is the home court because Wyoming is very vulnerable on the road with only a 1-5 record. As for TCU they have 3 players who score at least 11 points per game and they also have fairly good defense by averaging 11 steals as a team, but their offense is inefficient by only getting 1.13 points per shot. Wyoming has Brandon Ewing who scores 17 per game but they also have 2 others who score in double figures and are much more efficient at 1.4 PPS, but this being a road game this game will come down to who can make more plays. In this toss up TCU should be favored and should win this game for being the home team.

(11-4) (14-2)

The Pit 7PM MT TV:

In my opinion this game should be on CSTV but The Mtn. picks this game up. This will show who is for in the early conference season, mainly because New Mexico who has a gaudy record but have been beating up on sub 150 RPI teams. Their win at Wyoming is a good win because that is one of the toughest places to play in the league. San Diego State and New Mexico have very similar stats, but New Mexico's are slightly inflated because of who they played, and currently the Lobos have the 234th ranked strength of schedule. New Mexico has a more balanced attack in scoring with 6 players who score 8 points per game which can be dangerous with that many players. Both teams can be sloppy by averaging 14 turnovers per game, so whoever can protect the ball better may win. While SDSU scores 7 less points per game but they have more top end scorers on the team who have 4 players in double figures. This game will test how good both are and the home court is huge so look for New Mexico to pull this game out in a close one.