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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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 25: JaQuan Lyle #5 of the New Mexico Lobos (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 25: JaQuan Lyle #5 of the New Mexico Lobos (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /

team. 507. . 13-3 (2-1). . Lobos . 6

After a promising start, the New Mexico Lobos’ season came to a halt after the indefinite suspensions of starters JJ Caldwell and Carlton Bragg. As the two best defensive players and important offensive weapons, Caldwell and Bragg represent a huge force behind the team’s success. Without them, it is unclear how the Lobos will be able to cope.

Based on their loss to San Jose State, it was difficult not to drop the Lobos further. Sure, the Spartans are not quite as bad as they were previously, but a team with the talent of Jaquan Lyle and Vance Jackson should still be able to win that game. The scoring was still there, but the holes on defense were felt, with the Spartans scoring 88 points.

With all the other storylines, it is easy to miss how impressive guard JaQuan Lyle has been so far this season. He has been one of the three best players in the Mountain West through the first two months, and his efforts continue to increase in importance with Caldwell and Bragg gone.

At 2-1 in Mountain West play, the Lobos are not quite dead in the water, but there is certainly a lot of questions that need to be answered. One of the biggest surrounds who will replace the interior production of Carlton Bragg. He was a massive force in the paint, and there isn’t a clear player who can take that role. If one emerges, the Lobos have plenty of time to salvage a respectable finish to the season.