Mountain West Connection - Week 13 Mountain West Men's basketball actionAll you need to know about the Mountain West, and then somehttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50409/mwc-fav.png2013-02-02T22:52:09-08:00http://www.mwcconnection.com/rss/stream/36862132013-02-02T22:52:09-08:002013-02-02T22:52:09-08:00Power Rankings: The Unbelievable
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<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Chris delves into some power rankings after yet another crazy week in the MWC.</p> <p><strong>1. On the Road in the MWC</strong> - With so little separating all these teams (okay, except Fresno State), being the away team has brought much tribulation to all the MWC teams. Only one team has a winning record on the road: New Mexico (2-1)</p>
<p><strong>2. Air Force</strong> - Who's the conference's hottest team right now? Put your hand down Lobo fans, it's the Falcons who are currently on a 5-game win streak <strong>in the conference.</strong> Don't believe me? Too bad. It's also too bad they hit the road (see above) next week versus New Mexico and Nevada.</p>
<p><strong>3. Boise State storming the court after beating UNLV</strong> -</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Boise State storms after beating unranked UNLV. Boise a basketball town? Ha. Great win for Leon Rice's crew.</p>
— Andy Katz (@ESPNAndyKatz) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNAndyKatz/status/297920434291240961">February 3, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
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<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
No. Just, No. ACT LIKE YOU'VE BEEN THERE BEFORE PLEASE!</p>
<p><strong>4. Chase Tapley with 2 points</strong> - 35 minutes and only 2 points to show for it? That's a problem. For a guy who averages nearly 15 PPG, this was probably a gamechanger.</p>
<p><strong>5. Two Wyoming Starters with 0 points in the game</strong> - Look, I get it: some guys are shooters, some are rebounders, some are just players to lead by just being on the court. Riley Grabau and Josh Adams are none of these: 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal between the both of them. <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/ncaab-the-dagger/disturbing-details-emerge-witnesses-bar-fight-involving-wyoming-195709898--ncaab.html">Was the bar fight really worth it Luke?</a></p>
<p>What do you think was unbelievable from this week? Post in the comments below.</p>
https://www.mwcconnection.com/2013/2/2/3946698/power-rankings-the-unbelievableC Hondros2013-02-02T11:00:08-08:002013-02-02T11:00:08-08:00Saturday 2/2 MWC Basketball Open Thread
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<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The final full month of the Mountain West Conference regular season basketball starts with a full day and night on he hard wood. And MW Connection is the place to discuss it all. Come join the conversation</p> <p>Groundhog Day is a great day for basketball - and will prove to be a pivotal day in the 2012-13 Mountain West Conference title chase. And all four games today are televised! Enjoy!</p>
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<h3>MWC Standings</h3>
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<p class="updated">(updated 2/2/2013 at 10:46 PM PST)</p>
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<table class="standings zebra sbn-pte-table" cellspacing="0">
<thead class="super-head"><tr>
<th></th> <th colspan="2">Conf</th> <th colspan="2">Overall</th>
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<thead><tr>
<th></th> <th>W</th> <th>L</th> <th>W</th> <th>L</th>
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<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/new-mexico-lobos">New Mexico Lobos</a></td>
<td>6</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>18</td>
<td class="td-last">3</td>
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<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/colorado-st-rams">Colorado St. Rams</a></td>
<td>5</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>18</td>
<td class="td-last">4</td>
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<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/air-force-falcons">Air Force Falcons </a></td>
<td>5</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>14</td>
<td class="td-last">6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/unlv-runnin-rebels">UNLV Runnin' Rebels</a></td>
<td>4</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>17</td>
<td class="td-last">5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/san-diego-st-aztecs">San Diego St. Aztecs</a></td>
<td>4</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>16</td>
<td class="td-last">5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/boise-st-broncos">5Boise St. Broncos</a></td>
<td>3</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>15</td>
<td class="td-last">6</td>
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<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/nevada-wolf-pack">Nevada Wolf Pack</a></td>
<td>2</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>11</td>
<td class="td-last">10</td>
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<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first">
<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/wyoming-cowboys">Wyoming Cowboys </a><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/fresno-st-bulldogs"></a>
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<td>2</td>
<td>6</td>
<td>15</td>
<td class="td-last">6</td>
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<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/fresno-st-bulldogs">Fresno St. Bulldogs</a></td>
<td>1</td>
<td>6</td>
<td>7</td>
<td class="td-last">13</td>
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</tbody>
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<p class="game-title"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/san-diego-st-aztecs"><span class="blog_link"></span></a><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/air-force-falcons">Air Force Falcons </a><span class="blog_link">-</span> 70<br><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/san-diego-st-aztecs"><span class="blog_link"></span></a><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/air-force-falcons"> </a>No. 22/20 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/san-diego-st-aztecs">San Diego St. Aztecs</a> - 67<br><span class="blog_link"> </span></p>
<p class="game-info"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/events/109387">Saturday, Feb 2, 2013, 12:00 PM PST</a><br> FINAL</p>
<p class="foot clearfix"><span class="link-more"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/events/109387">Complete Coverage ></a></span></p>
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<p class="game-title"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/nevada-wolf-pack"><span class="blog_link"></span></a><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/new-mexico-lobos">No. 20/22 New Mexico Lobos</a><span class="blog_link"> - 75</span><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/nevada-wolf-pack"><span class="blog_link"></span></a><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/new-mexico-lobos"><br></a>Nevada Wolf Pack - 62 <br><span class="blog_link"> </span></p>
<p class="game-info"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/events/109673">Saturday, Feb 2, 2013, 5:00 PM PST</a><br> FINAL</p>
<p class="foot clearfix"><span class="link-more"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/events/109673">Complete Coverage ></a></span></p>
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<p class="game-title"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/wyoming-cowboys"><span class="blog_link"></span></a><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/colorado-st-rams">Colorado St. Rams </a><span class="blog_link">- 65</span><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/wyoming-cowboys"><br>Wyoming Cowboys</a> <span class="blog_link">- 46 </span></p>
<p class="game-info"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/events/109529">Saturday, Feb 2, 2013, 1:30 PM PST</a><br> FINAL</p>
<p class="foot clearfix"><span class="link-more"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/events/109529">Complete Coverage ></a></span></p>
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<p class="game-title"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/unlv-runnin-rebels"><span class="blog_link"> </span></a><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/boise-st-broncos">Boise St. Broncos </a><span class="blog_link">- 77</span><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/unlv-runnin-rebels"><span class="blog_link"></span></a><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/boise-st-broncos"><br></a>UNLV Runnin' Rebels<span class="blog_link"> - 72 </span></p>
<p class="game-info"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/events/109447">Saturday, Feb 2, 2013, 6:00 PM PST</a><br> FINAL</p>
<p class="foot clearfix"><span class="link-more"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/events/109447">Complete Coverage ></a></span></p>
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https://www.mwcconnection.com/2013/2/2/3943526/saturday-2-2-mwc-basketball-open-threadKenn Rodriguez2013-02-01T15:00:05-08:002013-02-01T15:00:05-08:00Wyoming takes on Colorado State in the Border War
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<img alt="Colorado State looks to extend their home court winning streak to 10" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/mlKdCkXd1WF_-hGq09vskWWyx4Q=/0x0:351x234/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/7448609/140955785.0_standard_352.0.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Colorado State looks to extend their home court winning streak to 10 | SD Nation Denver</figcaption>
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<p>Both teams enter the game with a combined 32-9 record. </p> <p>The first installment of the border war takes place in Fort Collins, CO in front of a raucous Moby Arena crowd. The visiting <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/wyoming-cowboys">Wyoming Cowboys</a> started the season hot, with a 13-0 record, but has since struggled in the MWC, going 2-5 with 3 straight losses. Colorado State on the other hand is one of the hottest teams in the MWC, ranked 21 in RPI and 18 in kenpom rankings. The suspension of G <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/124695/luke-martinez">Luke Martinez</a> (14.5 PPG-3 RPG) has severely hampered the Pokes offensive output, boasting the MWC 2<sup>nd</sup> worst PPG at 63.1. The Rams look to limit the Pokes offense with their impressive rebounding with 42.3 per game, good for 3<sup>rd</sup> in the nation. While this rivalry game usually presents an intense and competitive atmosphere, I believe the Rams have the upside in this game, and for oblivious reasons.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>When:</b> Saturday, February 2, 7:00 PM ET</p>
<p><b>Where: </b>Moby Arena, Fort Collins, CO</p>
<p><b>Watch: </b>ROOT Network</p>
<p> </p>
<p><u><b>Wyoming:</b></u></p>
<p><b>Key Injuries: </b></p>
<p>G Luke Martinez (suspension)</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Strength: </b>Defense<b> </b></p>
<p>While the offense of the Cowboys has been inconsistent as of late, the defense continues to keep games interesting for the pokes. The Cowboys are limiting teams to just 31.6% accuracy from three point range and only 44.2% from two point range. No team that has faced the Cowboys has scored more than 69 points this season and MWC teams are averaging only 55.3 PPG against the pokes.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Weakness: </b>Offense</p>
<p>Unlike the defense, the offense has been very unimpressive in conference play. F <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/53702/leonard-washington">Leonard Washington</a> (14.4 PPG-8.9 RPG) is now the 2<sup>nd</sup> highest scorer on the Cowboys roster, suspended G Luke Martinez having the highest PPG on Wyoming's roster. The Cowboys has scored over 60 points only once in conference play and has averaged only 53 PPG in their last 7 games. The Pokes handle most of their offense from two point range, distributing 54.1% of their offense inside the arc where the hit with 47.8% accuracy.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><u><b>Colorado State:</b></u></p>
<p><b>Key Injuries: </b></p>
<p>No injuries to report.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Strength: </b>Frontcourt</p>
<p>The Rams frontcourt has been the bulk CSU's offense this season. The Rams frontcourt is led by the MWC's best C-F in <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/52351/colton-iverson">Colton Iverson</a> (14.0 PPG-9.4 RPG), F Greg Smith (11.2 PPG-5.5 RPG), and F <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/100704/pierce-hornung">Pierce Hornung</a> (10 PPG-9.7 RPG). The starting frontcourt does more than just score, they provide opportunities like provide 58% of the rams 42 RPG or even 4.7 APG.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Weakness: </b>Outside Shooting</p>
<p>The Rams are not, by any standards, an outside shooting team. The rams hit about 34% from three point range and distribute only 22.4% of their offense outside the arc. Pierce Hornung commands the Rams best three point percentage at 57%.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><b><u>Trending Up:</u> </b>CSU Backcourt</p>
<p>Tandem guards Dorian Green (12.6 PPG-3.8 APG) and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/52426/wes-eikmeier">Wes Eikmeier</a> (11.9 PPG-2.3 APG) have really heated up in conference play this year. In their last 5 games, Eikmeier and Green have combined for an average of 25.4 PPG and 7 APG. Look for these two guards to have a big impact on the offensive side for the Rams in the border war.</p>
<p><u><b>Trending Down:</b></u><b> </b>F <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/146530/larry-nance-jr">Larry Nance Jr</a>.</p>
<p>F Larry Nance Jr. (10.6 PPG-7.3 RPG) has not been contributing to the recently struggling offense as of late. In Nance Jr's last two games he has averaged only 7.5 PPG, 1.5 APG and 2.5 FPG. If Nance Jr. gets into foul trouble early, it could be a long day for the Cowboys as only F Leonard Washington (14.4 PPG-8.9 RPG) and G <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/146527/derrious-gilmore">Derrious Gilmore</a> (11.3 PPG-2.6 APG) are the only serious scoring threats on this offense-bereft Cowboys team.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><u><b>Prognosis:</b></u></p>
<p>For those who like nitty-gritty "smash mouth" basketball, this game is for you. Both teams channel their respective offenses almost the same, attacking the basket and scoring inside the paint, while seldom hitting the three point basket. The Rams potent offense against the Cowboys staunch defense should provide us with a low scoring affair that is sure to live up to the intensity as this rivalry game usually does as both teams are vying for a NCAA Tournament bid. Wyoming's recent struggles on the road and dwindling offense combined with a rivalry game crowd in Fort Collins leads me to believe that the "bronze boot" for basketball will be staying in Fort Collins for the 2<sup>nd</sup> time in a row.</p>
https://www.mwcconnection.com/mountain-west-basketball/2013/2/1/3939636/wyoming-vs-colorado-state-previewByron_KSU2013-02-01T13:00:06-08:002013-02-01T13:00:06-08:00Four-way tie for second place in MWC standings
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<figcaption>Josh Holmberg-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Mountain West is one of the most competitive leagues, and currently there is a logjam for second place between four teams.</p> <p>Another week in Mountain West basketball, and the standings are still very much a jumbled mess. New Mexico lost their first league game, but they still hold a slime one-game lead over a pack of four schools who have four loses.</p>
<p>The big surprise is that Air Force who is just 13-6 on the year, has a 4-2 league record, and is one of those teams tied for second place. The Falcons are not likely to be a contender for the league title, but they are good enough to give good teams a scare, especially at home.</p>
<p>Even Boise State and Nevada are just three games out of first place, but out of those two teams it is Boise State who could make a possibly run to move up the league standings. This weekends games could provide a shakeup in the standings, because regardless of who plays who in this league nearly every game is difficult.</p>
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<h3>Mountain West Conference Standings</h3>
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<table class="standings zebra sbn-pte-table" cellspacing="0">
<thead class="super-head"><tr>
<th></th> <th colspan="2">Conf</th> <th colspan="2">Overall</th>
</tr></thead>
<thead><tr>
<th></th> <th>W</th> <th>L</th> <th>W</th> <th>L</th>
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<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/new-mexico-lobos">New Mexico Lobos</a></td>
<td>5</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>18</td>
<td class="td-last">3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/unlv-runnin-rebels">UNLV Runnin' Rebels</a></td>
<td>4</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>17</td>
<td class="td-last">4</td>
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<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/colorado-st-rams" style="background-color: #ffffff;">Colorado St. Rams</a></td>
<td>4</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>17</td>
<td class="td-last">4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/san-diego-st-aztecs" class="sbn-auto-link">San Diego St. Aztecs</a></td>
<td>4</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>16</td>
<td class="td-last">4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/air-force-falcons" style="background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration: underline;">Air Force Falcons</a></td>
<td>4</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>13</td>
<td class="td-last">6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/boise-st-broncos" class="sbn-auto-link">Boise St. Broncos</a></td>
<td>2</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>14</td>
<td class="td-last">6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/nevada-wolf-pack" style="background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration: underline;">Nevada Wolf Pack</a></td>
<td>2</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>11</td>
<td class="td-last">9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/wyoming-cowboys" class="sbn-auto-link">Wyoming Cowboys</a></td>
<td>2</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>15</td>
<td class="td-last">5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/fresno-st-bulldogs" style="background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration: underline;">Fresno St. Bulldogs</a></td>
<td>1</td>
<td>6</td>
<td>7</td>
<td class="td-last">13</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
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https://www.mwcconnection.com/mountain-west-basketball/2013/2/1/3940630/mountain-west-basketball-standingsJeremy Mauss2013-01-31T11:00:08-08:002013-01-31T11:00:08-08:00ESPN hands out 4 MWC tourney bids
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/WP_Ja3XbAhI0yV_1Y8LfV46ct6A=/0x149:2942x2110/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/7410087/20130106_ter_bb3_279.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>ESPN's Joe Lunardi has come out with his latest bracket projections, and the Mountain West has dipped to four teams in his field of 68.</p> <p>With Boise State and Wyoming struggling lately, it was just a mater of time before the projected six Mountain West teams would lower in number. That day has finally come as the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2013/1/31/3936786/bracketology-mountain-west-down-to-four-teams-in-latest-projections">projections around the Internet</a> are placing four Mountain West teams in the NCAA Tournament.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/bracketology">ESPN's Joe Lunardi</a> also has four teams from the Mountain West from his Monday's projections. He also has Boise State and Wyoming as one of the last eight teams out, however this was done before the two schools lost this week.</p>
<p>Here are where and who the Mountain West teams are playing in this projected field:</p>
<p>No. 4 New Mexico vs. No. 13 Louisiana Tech<br>No. 6 San Diego State vs. No. 11 Belmont<br>No. 6 UNLV vs. No. 11 Illinois<br>No. 8 Baylor vs. No. 9 Colorado State</p>
<p>The one good thing about the Mountain West having such a good RPI is that the seeding is likely going to keep everyone who makes the field at worst a 10 seed. Unlike the past when the Mountain West has earned four teams in the field, those teams were seeded at 11or higher, outside of the league champion.</p>
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<p>For more Mountain West:</p>
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https://www.mwcconnection.com/2013/1/31/3936854/bracketology-ncaa-tournament-mountain-west-unlv-new-mexicoJeremy Mauss2013-01-31T06:58:57-08:002013-01-31T06:58:57-08:00MWC down to 4 teams in latest Bracket projections
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<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Boise State and Wyoming fell from the field of 68.</p> <p>The latest Bracketology updates are out from SB Nation, and as expected both the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/boise-st-broncos">Boise St. Broncos</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/wyoming-cowboys">Wyoming Cowboys</a> 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.</p>
<p>Here is where Chris Dobbertean has the Mountain West teams in <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/2013/1/29/3926260/bracketology-ncaa-basketball-kansas-michigan-duke-florida" target="_blank">field of 68</a>:</p>
<p>No. 4 New Mexico vs. No. 13 Southern Miss<br>No. 6 UNLV vs. No. 11 Saint Mary's or Arizona State<br>No. 6 San Diego State vs. No. 11 Temple or Iowa State<br>No. 8 Ilinois v. No. 9 Colorado State</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Here is what Dobbertean <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/2013/1/29/3926260/bracketology-ncaa-basketball-kansas-michigan-duke-florida" target="_blank">says about the Mountain West:</a></p>
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<p>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 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/123236/jeff-elorriaga">Jeff Elorriaga</a> 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.</p>
<p>On the other hand, Wyoming is clearly missing the injured/suspended <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/124695/luke-martinez">Luke Martinez</a>, 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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
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https://www.mwcconnection.com/2013/1/31/3936786/bracketology-mountain-west-down-to-four-teams-in-latest-projectionsJeremy Mauss2013-01-30T22:01:46-08:002013-01-30T22:01:46-08:00Gritty New Mexico guts out win over Wyoming
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<img alt="Cameron Bairstow of the UNM Lobos" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/nR1GMyjfeg7bxemPp9VgaKk1crA=/0x330:3145x2427/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/7393791/20130130_gav_bb3_227.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Cameron Bairstow of the UNM Lobos | Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Australian duo Cameron Bairstow and Hugh Greenwood had very good games to lead the nationally-ranked New Mexico Lobos past the host Wyoming Cowboys to remain in the Mountain West driver's seat Wednesday night.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/new-mexico-lobos" class="sbn-auto-link">New Mexico Lobos</a>' <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/124013/cameron-bairstow" class="sbn-auto-link">Cameron Bairstow</a> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/145787/hugh-greenwood" class="sbn-auto-link">Hugh Greenwood</a> both delivered career highs to lead the nationally-ranked Lobos over the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/wyoming-cowboys" class="sbn-auto-link">Wyoming Cowboys</a> 63-59 at the Arena-Auditorium before 5,376.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Bairstow scored 17 points on 5 of 8 shooting and hitting 7 of 10 free throws to keep UNM in control of the game. Greenwood sealed the deal, scoring four of his 13 points in the final four seconds - including a 15-foot jumper in the lane with nine second left to break a 59-59 tie, then hit two free throws two seconds later to seal the win for UNM.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"I thought Hugh stepped up huge tonight with huge shots," said Lobo head coach Coach Steve Alford. "I thought Cam really gave us a lift with how he shot the ball. This is a hard place to play. We knew this was going to be a struggle and a fight." <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Greenwood finished with a double-double, pulling in a game-high10 rebounds.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Lobos, who entered the game ranked 20th in the AP poll and 22nd in the Coaches poll, took a nine-point lead on a three pointer by <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/100712/jamal-fenton" class="sbn-auto-link">Jamal Fenton</a> with 6:44 left in the game. But Wyoming used three point shooting to claw back into the game.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Cowboys tied the game with 15 seconds left in the game on a Riley Rabau three pointer of a UW miss following a five-second call against UNM’s <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/124012/tony-snell" class="sbn-auto-link">Tony Snell</a> on the inbounds right before the shot.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">UNM came up the court and Greenwood casually rose up in the lane and sank the jumper to give UNM the lead back at 61-59. Then Greenwood got the chance to ice the game with free throws after <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/53702/leonard-washington" class="sbn-auto-link">Leonard Washington</a>’s inbounds pass for the Cowboys missed a teammate and went out of bounds.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Wyoming (15-4, 2-4 Mountain West) hit 12 of 22 three pointers (54%) in the game – almost 20 percentage points above their season average – keeping Wyoming in the game.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">New Mexico (18-3, 5-1) started sluggishly, falling behind 5-0 early before responding with a 12-0 run to take a 12-5 lead 12 minutes into the game.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Wyoming gamely responded and took a 28-27 lead into halftime after a contested buzzer beater trey by Rabau following a questionable missed jumper by <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/124014/alex-kirk" class="sbn-auto-link">Alex Kirk</a>.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Wyoming shot just 8 of 27 on shots inside the three point arc and was outrebounded 35-23. UNM also outscored the Cowboys 28-2 in the paint.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">New Mexico was buoyed by a 53.8% shooting in the second half (14 of 26) and finished hitting 25 of 52 (48.1%). <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/124011/kendall-williams" class="sbn-auto-link">Kendall Williams</a> added 12 points and six rebounds and Alex Kirk added 10 points and six rebounds for UNM.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"We knew we could come in here and separate ourselves (from the rest of the league)," said Alford. "We knew if we could give Wyoming its fifth loss and that would make it tough (on Wyoming's MW chances). We had a chance to make a statement tonight."</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Wyoming got a team high 11 points from Derrious Gillmore, who scored 15 points on 5 of 7 three-point shooting. Leonard Washington and Grabau scored 11 points.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"I thought this was a pivotal game for us if we were going to have something to say (about the 2013 MW championship)," said Alford. "This gives us a chance."</p>
https://www.mwcconnection.com/mountain-west-basketball/2013/1/30/3935940/game-recap-no-20-22-new-mexico-63-wyoming-59Kenn Rodriguez2013-01-28T21:14:57-08:002013-01-28T21:14:57-08:00MWC repped by UNM and SDSU in power rankings
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<img alt="SDSU's James Rahon (bottom) and UNM's Kendall Williams (top) battle for the ball." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Rd9IxRi1ubE0AssqE8FA2PyTOow=/0x701:2667x2479/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/7273987/20130126_gav_ag2_013.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>SDSU's James Rahon (bottom) and UNM's Kendall Williams (top) battle for the ball. | USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The New Mexico Lobos and San Diego St. Aztecs are the sole representatives of the Mountain West Conference in the CBSSpors.com and ESPN college basketball rankings. MW Connection looks at the two rankings.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/new-mexico-lobos" class="sbn-auto-link">New Mexico Lobos</a> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/san-diego-st-aztecs" class="sbn-auto-link">San Diego St. Aztecs</a> are the lone Mountain West Conference representatives in this week's power rankings from ESPN.com and CBSSports.com.</p>
<p>Over at <a href="http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/rankings/top25" target="_blank">CBSSports.com's Top 25 + 1 this week</a>, the Aztecs are the top-are the top rated MWC team at 19th.</p>
<p>CBS' College Basketball Insiders Gary Parrish and Jeff Goodman move San Diego St. up from being unranked to No. 19 from this week, their one sentence on the Aztecs is tré milquetoast:</p>
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<p>The Aztecs dealt New Mexico its first Mountain West loss of the season.</p>
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<p>Yes. Yes they did.</p>
<p>Parrish and Goodman moved New Mexico down five spots to No. 20, punctuating the demotion with this blurb:</p>
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<p><i>The Lobos' 34 points against SDSU was their lowest total in the shot-clock era.</i></p>
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<p>Totally on point. And even more poignant than saying 1976, which was the last time UNM scored so few points.</p>
<p>Over at ESPN.com however, New Mexico is still rated by the Mothership's 18 voters - higher than the Aztecs, signing in at No. 19 with 85 votes, the same spot they occupied as last week. The Four-Letter network also commented on the Lobos' lack of scoring Saturday at SDSU.</p>
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<p><i>The Lobos managed only 34 points in their first MWC loss, to San Diego State. It marked UNM's lowest output since scoring 32 on Jan. 31, 1976, at Utah. Yikes.</i></p>
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<p>The Aztecs moved up from unranked (unofficially No. 26) to No. 20 this week with 60 votes. Props were given to San Diego State's defensive effort Saturday:</p>
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<p><i>How do you push yourself back into the AP poll (and these power rankings)? How about holding No. 15 New Mexico to 11-for-44 shooting and 34 points? Coach Steve Fisher credited <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/124249/jamaal-franklin" class="sbn-auto-link">Jamaal Franklin</a> for leading the defensive effort.</i></p>
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<p>The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/unlv-runnin-rebels" class="sbn-auto-link">UNLV Runnin' Rebels</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/colorado-st-rams" class="sbn-auto-link">Colorado St. Rams</a> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/wyoming-cowboys" class="sbn-auto-link">Wyoming Cowboys</a> both earned votes in the ESPN power rankings, UNLV landing unofficially at No. 29 with 35 votes, CSU at No. 35 with six votes and UW at No. 31 with a single vote.</p>
https://www.mwcconnection.com/2013/1/28/3927376/mwc-repped-by-new-mexico-and-san-diego-st-in-power-rankingsKenn Rodriguez