San Diego State (9-3) (NET: 35)
2-3 (Q1), 2-0 (Q2), 1-0 (Q3), 3-0 (Q4)
One of the MWC teams actually in wonderful shape, the Aztecs picked up an amazing win against Houston during the Players Era Festival, four days after an 18-point Quad 2 win over Creighton. Their other Quad 1 win came last weekend at Boise State, with this San Diego State team knowing how to take care of business away from home.
Unfortunately, they’ve dropped a pair of home games to Gonzaga and Utah State, though both are very strong programs and Quad 1 losses. This is the only MWC team that really doesn’t have any kind of bad or regrettable loss on their resume, which always seems to be the case for Brian Dutcher’s squad.
Another Quad 1 opportunity comes at New Mexico next weekend and it’s certainly not the last. The Aztecs are in solid shape right now to make the NCAA Tournament and just need to avoid any kind of losing streak or disastrous performances in the next two months.
Win the games you’re supposed to win and play hard on the road and San Diego State is dancing yet again. There’s no real concern for this resume right now, it’s all about avoiding bad losses and playing well against the quality teams in this league.
San Francisco (12-4) (NET: 63)
0-4 (Q1), 2-0 (Q2), 4-0 (Q3), 6-0 (Q4)
Wasted opportunities dot San Francisco’s early resume, as they lack a Quad 1 victory that they definitely need. Their Quad 2 wins are nothing to snuff at, as they played great in a double-digit win over Boise State in early November and recently beat Santa Clara near the start of WCC play.
With all of those losses being Quad 1, the Dons have at least avoided the letdown performance, even if that also means they aren’t taking advantage of those games. They were beaten by quality Memphis and Clemson teams in November, came up just short at Bradley last month, and suffered that fourth loss to Washington State this past weekend.
There are more opportunities for success than usual in the WCC; it’s not just Gonzaga or bust in order to make an impression. The Dons get another shot at Washington State next month and have several Quad 1 games on the road where they can start building a legitimate resume.
There’s work ahead but the road isn’t impossible. The Dons certainly need to make an impression in conference play as their NET and lack of Quad 1 success isn’t enough right now, but there’s potential here if they can have a strong February.