San Diego State vs. Boise State: The battle to sit atop the Mountain West

The San Diego State Aztecs are waiting. They are waiting inside their inverted temple for their prey. They are waiting for revenge.

SDSU has dropped only three games in Mountain West play, all away from Viejas Arena. The Aztecs (22-6, 12-3 MW) have atoned for two of those three losses, with the chance to make up for the third this Saturday against the visiting Boise State Broncos (21-7, 11-4 MW).

BSU handed the Aztecs their worst conference loss this season, stifling their offense and raining 3s on their staunch defense. However, that was within the confines of Taco Bell Arena. San Diego State is a different beast when it is back atop Montezuma Mesa.

The Aztecs are not only 15-0 this season, but they are suffocating opposing offenses to 47.5 points per game within Viejas. The scary part for incoming MW offenses is that number improves in conference play, as SDSU has only allowed one team, Colorado State, to top 50 points.

But those are just numbers at the end of the day and when you have the trio of Derrick Marks, Nick Duncan and James Webb III then you can never be counted out.

The Aztecs already have a firsthand account of what these three players can do, as each scored in double figures the last time these two teams met.

But this game will dwindle down to two things: 3-pointers and turnovers.

If the Broncos want to be victorious, then these two areas are key. To beat a stingy defense like the Aztecs, then you need to put them on their heels and stretch them out and there is no way better than to hit your perimeter shots.

SDSU will have to be active with their hands and force the Broncos into careless turnovers, as last game they only gave up six. If they want to avoid a similar outcome then they have to get out and run and get what will be a voracious crowd into the game.

If the revenge factor and a worthy opponent is still not enough for either of these teams, then the lone spot atop the conference this late into the season will surely do it. With an Aztec win, they will also ensure at least a share of the MW regular-season title. But if the Broncos win in Viejas, along with the top spot in the conference they will possibly jump off the bubble and all but secure an at-large bid for the NCAA Tournament.