Nevada Basketball: 2017-18 season preview

MILWAUKEE, WI - MARCH 16: A Nevada Wolf Pack fan holds a flag in the first half against the Iowa State Cyclones during the first round of the 2017 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at BMO Harris Bradley Center on March 16, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

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MILWAUKEE, WI – MARCH 16: The Nevada Wolf Pack mascot cheers in the first half against the Iowa State Cyclones during the first round of the 2017 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at BMO Harris Bradley Center on March 16, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

Key Conference games

Dec 27. @ Fresno State

Jan 24. @ Wyoming

Feb 10 San Diego State

Mar 3 @ San Diego State

The top three seem to be a level above the rest between Nevada, San Diego State, and Fresno State. With the road game at Fresno being the first game on the conference slate, a statement can be made right before the new year.

The Aztecs look to go back to the top, making the games between these two teams a must watch. A match-up with the top offense against the top defense will be a battle of strengths that could determine the regular season champs.

An under the radar game for Wolf Pack fans to remember is Jan 24 at Wyoming. Not only are the Cowboys figured to finish in the top half of the conference, but the elevation always has an impact of their opponents, making any trip there an adventure.

The good news for Nevada (and bad news for fans) is there will be no return game at New Mexico this year. We’ll have to wait until the following season to return to the scene of the impossible comeback. No matter the talent the Lobos have, any road game with that crowd atmosphere is a difficult one to win.