Bracketology: Mountain West down to four teams in latest projections

The latest Bracketology updates are out from SB Nation, and as expected both the Boise St. Broncos and Wyoming Cowboys feel from the projected field. Since the projections came out on Monday, both Boise State and Wyoming have lost another game, making them more than likely NIT-bound, unless something strange happens.

Here is where Chris Dobbertean has the Mountain West teams in field of 68:

No. 4 New Mexico vs. No. 13 Southern Miss
No. 6 UNLV vs. No. 11 Saint Mary's or Arizona State
No. 6 San Diego State vs. No. 11 Temple or Iowa State
No. 8 Ilinois v. No. 9 Colorado State

Boise State and Wyoming were among the last eight teams to be out of the field, so they are still on the fringe. However, unless they can get big wins this weekend -- Wyoming plays at Colorado State and Boise State hosts UNLV -- they will be on the outside looking in the rest of the way.

Here is what Dobbertean says about the Mountain West:

Deep down, you knew that the Mountain West was probably not going to send a half-dozen teams to the NCAA Tournament. The conference grind saw two teams' profiles take serious hits in the past seven days, as Boise State and Wyoming fell from this projection after failing to take care of business in games against the league's non-contenders. The Broncos followed up a home with against Fresno State with a loss at Nevada, though sharpshooter Jeff Elorriaga missed the loss with his second concussion in two weeks. If he comes back soon, which is not a given, Boise State will get a boost and consideration for the two losses suffered without him. Victories at Colorado State and over UNLV at home this week would also help BSU's cause.

On the other hand, Wyoming is clearly missing the injured/suspended Luke Martinez, as they lost in Las Vegas on Wednesday and at home to Air Force (who happened to beat Boise State in its first game without Elorriaga). Things won't get easier for the Cowboys this week, as they host a New Mexico team that will surely be looking to rebound from Saturday's embarrassing offensive performance at San Diego State before visiting archrival Colorado State (who also has a big bubble week on tap) on Saturday.

UNLV and San Diego State, who join New Mexico in the safe portion of the field, face tricky contests this week in their quest to stay within touching distance of the Lobos in the Mountain West race. The Runnin' Rebels welcome in-state rival Nevada to the Thomas & Mack Center on Tuesday before traveling to Boise on Saturday night. Meanwhile, the Aztecs, who already lost at Wyoming, play at altitude again on Saturday, visiting Air Force.