Mountain West basketball: Mid-season recap, awards, and observations

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LAS VEGAS, NV – MARCH 11: The Colorado State Rams mascot CAM the Ram performs during the team’s game against the Nevada Wolf Pack during the second half of the championship game of the Mountain West Conference basketball tournament at the Thomas /

Lower half of the Mountain West

11. San Jose State 3-17 (0-9)

The Spartans have two overtime losses in league play, so they aren’t that far off from a win. But they might have to wait until the final game of the regular season, a road game at Air Force, to get a win. Having one of the worst offenses in the country isn’t going to make things easy.

10. Air Force 8-12 (2-6)

The Falcons are behind a game thanks to the government shutdown, but it’s been rescheduled. Air Force is the one team in the league without a proven star, so the team needs everyone to pitch in. That happened in back-to-back road games lately, with wins over Colorado State and San Jose State.

9. Colorado State 10-13 (3-7)

The summary of the Rams is simple – if their star player plays well, they’re in the game. If not, the lack of a scoring supporting cast makes them vulnerable to lose any game.

8. San Diego State 12-8 (4-5)

It’s been an up and down first year for head coach Brian Dutcher, trying to change this team’s identity. On one hand, the Aztecs have been scoring more this season than they have in the past. Problem is, the defense has been allowing more as well, at least 77 points in the past five games (1-4). The lack of a scorer to go to in crunch time has hurt them as well in close losses.

7. UNLV 15-6 (4-4)

The definition of “inconsistent” has been the Running Rebels since conference play started. They’ve alternated wins and losses so far, and has proven that they have the talent to beat Nevada, while giving San Jose State their first Mountain West win as well.

6. Utah State 12-11 (5-5)

The Aggies have lost to the good teams while beating the bad teams, making them destined for the middle. But an elite perimeter makes Utah State a dangerous team to deal with come March.