Mountain West Basketball: 2024 conference tournament preview and predictions

Semifinals

#1 Utah State vs. #5 San Diego State (March 15, 9:30pm)

This matchup has been played in the title game of this league several times, but these two adversaries instead meet in the semifinals. The Aztecs won the game in San Diego by 14 points before the Aggies held on a few weeks back in Utah. It’s easy to lean towards Utah State with the way San Diego State played last week, but we’re banking on their postseason experience on the big stage in an upset.

San Diego State wins

#2 Nevada vs. #3 Boise State (March 15, 11:59pm)

A rare split where the road team won both games between these teams, it was Nevada who looked great less than two weeks ago, winning by 10 points in Boise. No team is playing better ball than the Wolf Pack, led by Jarod Lucas and a crew of talent. It’s really hard to bet against Nevada with how they’ve played but don’t count Boise State out. This game could go either way, though we’re leaning towards the hotter squad with a slew of success away from home.

Nevada wins

Finals

#2 Nevada vs. #5 San Diego State (March 16, 6:00pm)

Frankly, there are likely a dozen different combinations of teams that could just as likely meet up in these finals. Both Nevada and San Diego State have had strong stretches this season, but neither team has been perfect. They actually split their pair of matchups, with the Aztecs winning during Nevada’s rough stretch, while the Wolf Pack won at home in overtime just over a month ago.

What happens in round three between these schools would certainly be interesting. On paper, San Diego State has the talent to win this game and do damage in the Big Dance, especially with the way LeDee has played this season. However, we’re not counting out what Nevada has shown in recent weeks. New Mexico is the only team that has beaten them in the last seven weeks and that won’t change here. Steve Alford wins another MWC Tournament title, but this time at Nevada.

Nevada wins the ACC Tournament