All games are at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas
BYU is playing for only the second double title since San Diego State did so a few years back. The Cougars should take care of business with Co-POY in Lee Cummard and other all conference selection Trent Plaisted. This should be an easy win and a chance for BYU to up their seeding. However BYU should not take this game to lightly because Air Force was the number one seed in 2004 and lost in the first round in the conference tournament. The Cougars won both meetings against CSU by a comfortable margin, the Rams do have newcomer of the year and 2nd team all conference player Marcus Walker to lead the Rams.
4. (19-11) 5.
(16-13)
The Falcons are 0-8 in MWC tournament play and was also the only number one seed to lose in the opening round. I expect that streak to continue this year, because the Falcons away from Clune Arena are not very good. Also, toss in the fact that Air Force just defeated SDSU 46-43 and that the Aztecs need to make it to the finals for a shot at an NCAA berth. We will see if SDSU comes out motivated to want to try to get a bid to the big tournament.
2. (23-7) 7.
(14-15)
UNLV at home and TCU on the road should equal a Rebel victory. The Rebels are a near lock to make the NCAA's but besides from winning the title an appearance in the finals should be good enough. TCU does have a tough press defense, but on the road they usually wilt and this case will be the same. UNLV has multiple players who are on this years team that was on last years sweet 16 run, so these players will be ready to go.
3. (24-7) 6.
(16-13)
This game looks to be the most interesting game of the night and has the most potential for a lower seed to win. The Utes have the best defense in the league, and have not been blown out by anyone all year long. Both games between Utah and New Mexico have been close with one going to overtime. New Mexico does have Co-POY in JR Giddins to lean on for scoring. New Mexico should be fired up because a win here just might be enough to get them an at large, but a loss would nearly eliminate the Lobos. The Utes will rely on Luke Nevill and Johnny Bryant to score the points.