Well, it looks like we’ve got ourselves a three-team race to the finish. Or is it 4? 5? One thing is for sure, we haven’t seen the end of the surprises from this league. What was it this week? Just as his Colorado State team momentarily took over first place in the league standings and my own rankings (with 7 scholarship players and a walk-on from the track team), a bombshell report came out about Larry Eustachy’s emotional abuse of players, per Matt Stephens and Kelly Lyell of the Coloradan. Eustachy’s past is spotty at best, but if he is accurately represented in this story, I’m even more surprised how well he has this team playing of late.
Power Rankings
1. Colorado State (10-4, 18-9, last week: 3)
Simply put, they are the hottest team in the league. The Rams will need to go through Albuquerque and Reno to win the regular season title and earn the first seed in the MWC Tournament.
2. Nevada (10-4, 21-6, last week: 2)
After two wins, the Wolfpack hold at second. Huge game coming for Nevada as well, with Boise State coming into town Wednesday.
3. Boise State (10-4, 17-8, last week: 1)
Chandler Hutchison might be the player of the year, but a loss to New Mexico at the Pit drops the Broncos to 3.
4. New Mexico (9-6, 16-11, last week: 4)
The Lobos faded down the stretch against Fresno State but it would not be smart to write this team off either.
5. San Diego State (8-6, 16-10, last week: 7)
As if this league weren’t stupid enough already this season, San Diego State is good again? It’s also hard to ignore that, outside a win over Nevada, the Aztecs have been beating up on lesser teams.
6. Fresno State (8-7, 16-7, last week: 6)
Not sure what to think about them, given how streaky they’ve been this year. But they do have four wins against the top three teams, including a sweep of Nevada.
7. Wyoming (6-9, 16-12, last week: 5)
Another 0-2 week for the Cowboys. Conference play has been tough on Allen Edwards’ squad.
8. San Jose State (7-7, 14-11, last week: 8)
Brandon Clarke is a POY darkhorse at 18.4 PPG, 8 RPG, and 2.7 BPG.
9. Utah State (5-10, 11-15, last week: 9)
10. UNLV (3-10, 10-16, last week: 10)
11. Air Force (3-11, 10-17, last week: 11)
Three Stars
1. Chandler Hutchison (Jr., F, Boise State)
He’s by far the most consistent scorer in the leagues. Double figures in all 14 conference games so far.
2. Cam Oliver (So., F, Nevada)
He’s been in double figures in seven straight, and is coming off back-to-back double doubles. NBA scouts keeping a close eye.
3. Emmanuel Omogbo (Sr., F, Colorado State)
He went for 19 and 16 to help the Rams win the Border War in Laramie Tuesday.
Game of the Week
Colorado State at New Mexico, Tuesday Feb. 21, 10:00 ET, CBSSN
Last time, there was a verbal altercation in the parking lot. Oh and for my betting friends: the Rams are 8-1 ATS on the road this season. Enjoy.