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San Diego State vs Utah State: 2021 Mountain West game preview, TV schedule

By Jacob Salcido

Jan 2, 2021; San Diego, California, USA; A detailed view of a Mountain West logo on the court before the game between the San Diego State Aztecs and the Colorado State Rams at Viejas Arena. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2021; San Diego, California, USA; A detailed view of a Mountain West logo on the court before the game between the San Diego State Aztecs and the Colorado State Rams at Viejas Arena. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /
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TV schedule: Saturday, March 13, 6:30 pm ET, CBS

Arena: Thomas & Mack Center in Paradise, Nevada

The Mountain West Conference has witnessed some kind of a ‘resurgence’ this season, at least in the eyes of many college basketball analysts and commentators around the nation. With Selection Sunday looming, the proud league is hoping to get multiple teams into the NCAA Tournament, yet regular-season champion San Diego State (22-4) is the only team in the league currently considered a ‘lock’ to participate in the tournament.

Utah State, Boise State, and Colorado State have all floated in and out of projected brackets, and after a wild recent few weeks, each of the trio is firmly sitting on the ‘bubble,’ – the dreaded purgatory consisted of teams that sweat out Selection Sunday, unsure of their fate at the hands of the NCAA Tournament selection committee – The difference between Utah State and the other two? The Aggies just made the Mountain West Tournament Championship, perhaps keeping them on the ‘right side’ of the bubble, for now.

Utah State is the only team to have completed a sweep over the Aztecs during regular season conference-play, and as of late, the Aggies have fared well against San Diego State in the postseason. They have taken home the previous two tournament titles, both in victories against the Aztecs. The Aggies need to win this game to ensure a spot in the NCAA Tournament, whereas the Aztecs are playing for vengeance, as well as better seeding in the ‘Big Dance.’

Both of these teams have heavy star power, but all eyes will be on Mountain West Player of the Year Matt Mitchell (SDSU), and Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year Neemias Queta (USU). Mitchell and Queta have had ridiculously impressive seasons, but their previous two match-ups were marred by an injury sustained by Aztec star Matt Mitchell. Mitchell was unable to finish the first game against the Aggies and missed the second game entirely… His being healthy makes this rematch all the more intriguing.

San Diego State is on a thirteen-game win streak, while Utah State is playing their best ball at the best possible time. Both teams have shooters (Jordan Schakel for SDSU, Brock Miller for USU, for example) – Both teams can play defense, and both teams can swing and capitalize on the momentum quickly.

dark. Next. 2021 Mountain West Tournament preview

I’d expect a heated and tight game throughout, and though the Aztecs are a fantastic squad, I’m leaning towards the Aggies to take this one. Three-peat, anyone?

Prediction: Utah State 79, San Diego State 76