What's Happening?
The Mountain West Conference (MWC) is once again in the spotlight as ESPN's Joe Lunardi released his latest NCAA Tournament projections. The conference, which has consistently received at least two bids since 2017, sees San Diego State and Utah State positioned within the field of 68 teams. San Diego State, with a record of 18-6 and 12-2 in conference play, and Utah State, boasting a 22-3 overall and 12-2 conference record, are both considered strong contenders. Meanwhile, New Mexico, despite being the reigning MWC regular-season champion, is among the first four teams left out. The Lobos, with a 19-6 overall record, are striving for their third consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance. Boise State, although currently seventh in the MWC standings,
remains a potential contender, ranked 58th in KenPom and 60th in the NCAA NET Rankings.
Why It's Important?
The inclusion of multiple MWC teams in the NCAA Tournament highlights the competitive nature and depth of the conference. For the teams involved, securing a spot in the tournament not only brings prestige but also significant financial benefits through increased visibility and potential sponsorships. For San Diego State and Utah State, maintaining their positions within the tournament field is crucial for continuing their successful seasons. New Mexico's exclusion from the current projections underscores the challenges even strong teams face in securing tournament bids, emphasizing the importance of every game in the lead-up to the selection. Boise State's position on the bubble reflects the competitive landscape of college basketball, where even teams with strong records must continuously prove their worth.
What's Next?
As the season progresses, the focus will be on the remaining games that could influence the final tournament selections. San Diego State's upcoming game against Grand Canyon and Utah State's matchup with Boise State are critical for solidifying their tournament positions. New Mexico will need to capitalize on every opportunity to improve their standing and potentially secure a bid. The outcomes of these games will not only affect the teams directly involved but could also shift the dynamics of the tournament projections, impacting other bubble teams across the nation.
