Busting Brackets
Fansided

Mountain West Basketball: 2019-20 power rankings heading into conference play

By Connor Hope

RENO, NEVADA - MARCH 09: Matt Mitchell #11 of the San Diego State Aztecs drives to the basket during the game against the Nevada Wolf Pack at Lawlor Events Center on March 09, 2019 in Reno, Nevada. (Photo by Jonathan Devich/Getty Images)
RENO, NEVADA - MARCH 09: Matt Mitchell #11 of the San Diego State Aztecs drives to the basket during the game against the Nevada Wolf Pack at Lawlor Events Center on March 09, 2019 in Reno, Nevada. (Photo by Jonathan Devich/Getty Images) /
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SUNRISE, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 21: Sam Merrill #5 of the Utah State Aggies (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
SUNRISE, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 21: Sam Merrill #5 of the Utah State Aggies (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

2. team. 547. . 13-3 (2-1). . Aggies

We are just over halfway into the college basketball season, and it may be time to start worrying about Utah State’s chances at an NCAA Tournament bid. Wins over Florida and LSU are seemingly becoming less impressive every week, and that is the entirety of the Aggies resume so far.

After a brief return, Neemias Queta is injured again, and all optimism that came with his return went with him. Sure, Sam Merrill is still an All-Conference First Team caliber player, and Justin Bean continues to impress, but Queta was the player behind the team’s preseason Top 25 rankings. Without him, this team will need to be flawless to build a tournament resume.

Freshman center Trevin Dorius may be key to surviving Queta’s absence. In his limited action this season, Dorius has proven to be a reliable rebounder, shot-blocker and interior scoring option. His lack of experience at the top level has limited his rotational minutes, but he has recently earned his way into the starting lineup.

What was so startling about their loss to UNLV was the way it happened. The Rebels absolutely controlled the Aggies after the first five minutes, without ever giving up the momentum. The Aggies will play one of their three likely remaining Q1 matchups this Saturday against San Diego State, and that game does not appear to be winnable at this point.

Utah State could still be an at large team, but their relatively weak schedule, combined with tough losses against their two best opponents, has put them in a tough spot.