College basketball’s postseason kicked off this past week with Utah State representing the Mountain West in March Madness. The conference also has five teams participating in the NIT tournament with New Mexico, Nevada, UNLV, Wyoming and Colorado State all competing. This edition of “The Good, the Bad, the Ugly” focuses on how all six teams competed this past week. Let’s take a look.
The Good
Utah State
The Aggies had every right to be frustrated with their seeding in the NCAA Tournament. They were one of the most
consistent teams in the nation over the course of the season and had an impressive showing in the Mountain West Tournament. After receiving a nine seed, the Aggies did an excellent job of channeling the disrespect they felt into an impressive tournament opening victory over Villanova. Mountain West Player of the Year Mason Falslev proved he could get it done on the biggest stage going for 22 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists. MJ Collins Jr. continued his excellent play with 20 points and 4 rebounds. It was an impressive showing for a team that deserved better from the selection committee.
New Mexico
It wasn’t the March Madness appearance they were hoping for, but postseason basketball in “The Pit” is nothing to scoff at. The Lobos had one of the best atmospheres in the opening round of the NIT and they also had, arguably, the most impressive performance of the opening week. The Lobos’ 107-83 opening round victory over Sam Houston sent a message to the NCAA committee and the rest of the NIT field. New Mexico had six players in double figures led by Tomislav Buljan’s 22 points and 10 rebounds. If the Lobos continue this type of play, they can makes some real noise in this tournament.
Nevada
The Wolf Pack hosted Murray State in their opening NIT contest. Nevada played a well-rounded game in their 89-75 victory. Junior guard Vaughn Weems had one of his best performances of the season, going for 23 points and 5 rebounds. Corey Camper Jr. also continued his impressive season with 17 points and 8 rebounds in the Wolf Pack’s victory.
UNLV
The Rebels were one of the most inconsistent teams in the Mountain West this year. A large part of that was their reliance on Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn. However, we saw a different version of the Rebels in their opening round NIT victory over the University of California-Irvine. The Rebels had five different players in double figures with Kimani Hamilton leading the Rebels with 14 points. If the Rebels can get that kind of contribution from their secondary players, they have a real chance to make a deep run in this tournament.
The Bad
Teams Decline Invitations
Boise State, San Diego State, and Grand Canyon were three of the most competitive teams in the Mountain West. All three teams decided to end their seasons and focus on next year after not making the NCAA Tournament. I was not a fan of this decision, especially for a team like Boise State that has some young players who could use that experience heading into the off-season. Play as much basketball as you can and do everything possible to put your team in position to win next year.
Wyoming
The Cowboys may have fallen short, but they traveled to Wichita and put up a solid fight. This may not have been the outcome that the Cowboys wanted but the experience of competing against a really good program and taking them down to the final minutes bodes well for the future of this program. Sophomore Damaron Dennis and freshman Nasir Meyer were spectacular in the losing effort. If these two players return to Laramie, Wyoming could have one of the top teams in the Mountain West next season.
The Ugly
Colorado State
The Rams hosted Saint Joseph’s in the opening round of the NIT tournament. Unfortunately for Colorado State, it was not the performance they were hoping for. They were extremely stagnant on offense and had a difficult time finishing around the basket, leading to a 69-64 loss. The Rams missed 5 free throws and connected on only 7 of 30 three-point attempts. It was the perfect storm of a poor shooting night and too many mistakes to overcome.
Did this past week prove the Mountain West should have had more teams in the NCAA tournament? Were teams like Boise State, San Diego State, and Grand Canyon right to decline postseason invitations? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
