Mountain West Connection Bracketology: Week Eight

It is always an adventure with Mountain West hoops. This week was no different, as the top dog dropped a game, one team continues to cling on to hopes of an at-large spot, and another team continues to play spoiler. Let’s take a look at where I project the top teams to go this week.

Nevada

San Diego State continues to be a thorn in the side of the Wolf Pack. Nevada dropped their second game in conference play, and it will likely have an impact on their seeding. I think the loss drops Nevada to at least a five-seed and maybe lower. I think they still have hopes of being a four-seed if they win out. Their next contest against Utah State in Logan is huge, because it will likely secure the one-seed for them in the conference tournament. Right now, I’m projecting the Wolf Pack to be a five-seed in the West region.

Utah State

The Aggies were fortunate to leave Boise with a victory on Saturday night. I think their at-large hopes rest with Saturday’s game in Logan against Nevada. Win that game and they have an excellent shot at making the tournament. Lose that game and they will be left hoping for a run in the conference tournament. With that being said, I think the Aggies will end up in the NIT.

Fresno State

Any hopes of an at-large spot are gone for the Bulldogs; they have two bad losses that the committee will not overlook. They need to win the conference tournament. Otherwise, I’m not even sure if they are an NIT team at this point.

San Diego State

The team that nobody wants to play. The Aztecs beat the Wolf Pack this week and escaped with a victory over the Rebels. Seeding is going to be crucial for SDSU. If they can secure the three-seed, I think they can make a run. If they continue their recent play, they might even slip in to the NIT.

What do you guys think? Does the Mountain West deserve two spots in the NCAA tournament?