Cary Edmondson-USA Today Sports
As another night on the east coast will be coming to a close, college basketball fans out west will prepare for the excitement of another late night, Mountain West Conference battle.
UNLV will take its 14-3 overall mark on the road to San Diego State on Wednesday, as the pair of non-power six heavyweights face off. The Aztecs enter the contest at 14-2 overall, but more importantly boast a 2-0 conference mark.
The Runnin’ Rebels will be looking to avoid a 1-2 start in the conference on Wednesday, but it’s going to take a statement win on the road in order to do so. Given the game’s location, the Aztecs are sure to be the favorites, but certainly not by much.
Jamaal Franklin leads the charge for SDSU, but a loaded front court for UNLV is highlighted by potential freshman All-American Anthony Bennett.
San Diego State head coach Steve Fisher will need to find a way to limit the Rebels’ low post production, while UNLV’s match-up against Franklin and fellow back court mate Chase Tapley holds similar implications on the perimeter.
The conference schedule in the MWC is quickly becoming a more and more difficult ride for all conference members, as league play is sure to provide a rhythm that will ultimately weed out the contenders from the pretenders.
There is no doubt that the conference will send multiple teams to the NCAA Tournament, it’s just a matter of how many at this point. Barring a conference collapse as well, both of these squads will dance come March, so take advantage and don’t miss out on this west coast battle.
Tip-off is scheduled for 10:00pm (EST) from San Diego State.
Paul Seaver on Twitter: @PaulSeaverRS
