Busting Brackets
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WAC Basketball Tournament: New Mexico State once again the favorite in 2019

By Connor Hope

LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 10: The New Mexico State Aggies pep band performs during the championship game of the Western Athletic Conference basketball tournament against the Grand Canyon Lopes at the Orleans Arena on March 10, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 10: The New Mexico State Aggies pep band performs during the championship game of the Western Athletic Conference basketball tournament against the Grand Canyon Lopes at the Orleans Arena on March 10, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images) /
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SAN DIEGO, CA – MARCH 16: Keyon Jones #0 and Eli Chuha #22 of the New Mexico State Aggies react to their 68-79 loss to the Clemson Tigers in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena on March 16, 2018 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA – MARCH 16: Keyon Jones #0 and Eli Chuha #22 of the New Mexico State Aggies react to their 68-79 loss to the Clemson Tigers in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena on March 16, 2018 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Semifinals Predictions

(1) New Mexico State vs (4) UT Rio Grande Valley

Friday, March 15 at 9:00 pm ET on ESPN+

With two solid defenses facing each other in this semifinals game, fans should expect a relatively low scoring game. UTRGV must utilize their defensive pressure to force turnovers, which they do at the second highest clip in the nation. New Mexico State, however, is an above average team on transition defense, and must keep their wits about them.

Projected Winner: New Mexico State

(2) Utah Valley vs (6) Seattle

Friday, March 15 at 11:30 pm ET on ESPN+

With both teams currently getting hot at the right time, this game should be a true battle. When Seattle is fully healthy, they are a dangerous team, and Utah Valley’s offensive efficiency is a sight to see. With that, the question become whether Seattle’s lack of depth will expose itself. If Utah Valley can pressure the Redhawks and force fouls, the game could get ugly very quick.

Projected Winner: Utah Valley

Finals Prediction

(1) New Mexico State vs (2) Utah Valley

Saturday, March 16 at 10:00 pm ET on ESPNU

Not only is this the probable matchup for the WAC Tournament Championship, it is the most likely matchup considering the gap between Utah Valley and the rest of the conference. The Aggies beat the Wolverines during both regular season meetings by an average of six points, but it is always tough to win all three games in a close matchup.

Next. 10 potential Cinderella stories in the Big Dance. dark

With the conference’s top offense facing off against the top defense, whoever wins that battle will probably be dancing next week.

Projected Champion: New Mexico State