If it plays out how it’s supposed to, the Mountain West might have the most exciting semifinal pairings during the week. Four at-large hopefuls and a potential bid stealer will duke it out in the desert for the title. There will be elite coaches, pro prospects, and sleeper Final Four teams that will be must watch.
The Favorite
San Diego State: The Aztecs are coming off another banner regular season. SDSU will come into champ week with an 11-game win streak dominating the Mountain West. Non-conference wins over UCLA and ASU highlighted a slate that only saw one loss. Brian Dutcher’s group prides themselves on defense, ranking eighth in the country in defensive efficiency. On the offensive end, they are led by a pair of seniors. Leading scorers Jordan Schackel and Matt Mitchell form an inside-out duo capable of striking fear into an opponent. Though they are the favorites, the Aztecs will have a tough road through maybe two potential at-large contenders.
Teams to Watch
Utah State: The first of three teams squarely on the bubble coming into champ week, the Aggies are looking to take their chances out of the committee’s hands with a title in Vegas. Utah State is led by superstar center Neemias Queta. Queta leads the Aggies in every major statistical category and is playing his way into the first round discussion. Power Forward Justin Bean helps Queta form one of the best front courts in Amercia. Surrounding those two is an assortment of guards that are threats from downtown.
Boise State: Leon Rice might have the most explosive offensive team in the Mountain West. Derrick Alston is a superstar and is supported by an array of perimeter talent. Guards Rayj Dennis, Marcus Shave, and Emmanuel Akot can all beat you on any given night. While they are a team to watch, the Broncos might be the most desperate team in Vegas this week. A loss to Fresno State in the season finale means Boise’s at large hopes are teetering on a deep run.
Colorado State: The last of the bubble teams in the MWC resides in Fort Collins, Colorado. The Rams are the only team in the conference with a win over the three other tournament contenders in the league. David Roddy and Isaiah Stevens form one of the conferences most prolific duos. CSU leads the league in offensive efficiency while being fourth on the defensive end. Like the other two teams to watch, the Rams would love to take home the title and take the decision out of the committee’s hands.
Players to Watch:
Matt Mitchell, SDSU: The forward came into this season significantly slimmer and his play has reflected it. A menace on the defensive side of the ball and a dead eye shooter, he is the heart and soul of the Aztecs team.
Neemias Queta, Utah State: The Portuguese native is one of my favorite players to watch in the country. He is the first player to average 2.5 APG and 2.5 BPG in college basketball the last 30 years.
Derrick Alston Jr., Boise State: The Broncos Senior star might be the league’s best draft prospect. A smooth 6’9 scorer Alston is averaging almost 18 points a game with efficient splits.
David Roddy, Colorado State: Roddy is the Mountain West’s version of Jordan Goodwin. A 6’5 perimeter player who is one of the best rebounders in America, almost averaging a double-double.
Grant Sherfield, Nevada: Sherfield has been the key contributor for 5th seeded Nevada. The guard is leading the league in assists and is second in scoring. The Wolfpack playmaker has also shown a flair for the dramatics with two buzzer beaters this season.
The Prediction:
Utah State got the best draw in the league tournament. Colorado State is a tough match up in a potential semifinal but avoiding the Broncos and Aztecs is huge. They have the best player in the league in center Neemias Queta. Given that, I think they take their NCAA fate out of the committees hands and take home the crown.