Posted on January 25, 2023
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LIt was fun to watch the men’s hoops competition last week in the Mountain West.
If you read this column last week, you know my predictions were 5-0, including Nevada’s stunning double-overtime win against New Mexico, led by Will Baker’s 28 points for ” A wolf pack.”
There are plenty of games to watch this week, and we’ve covered a few and given more predictions for next week.
Utah State and San Diego State
Wednesday, January 25
8:00 PM PT, CBS Sports
IYes, Utah State is just one game behind the Aztecs for first place in the Mountain West Conference.
A win at Viejas Arena would be huge for their hopes and chances of winning the MWC.
Unfortunately, the Aztecs are playing good basketball right now and are nearly undefeated at home (except for New Mexico a couple of weeks ago).
Steve Ashworth and Taylor Funk play well, but the Aztecs win another close game and hold onto the MWC lead.
Prediction: SDSU 67, Utah State 61
Air Force at No. 25 New Mexico
Friday, January 27
7:00 PM PT, CBS Sports
TAir Force’s unique style always creates problems for opposing teams. The Falcons are just 12-8 on the year and watched their three-game winning streak end at the hands of the Aztecs.
That’s too bad for Air Force right now because New Mexico will be even more motivated after the crushing loss to Nevada.
The Lobos dominate from start to finish and shut out the Falcons.
Prediction: New Mexico 77, Air Force 51
Nevada at UNLV
January 28, Saturday
7:00 PM PT, CBS Sports
Tthe battle for nevada is always a great game, even when those teams are bad. However, both teams have plenty of talent this year.
Nevada is riding high after stunning New Mexico and UNLV has lost four in a row earlier in the week and they face Wyoming on Tuesday.
As strange as it sounds, the Rebels have one win in the MWC — and that came against New Mexico. Can they channel that same energy and upset Nevada after the Wolfpack’s big win over Lobo?
They could, but they don’t. The wolf pack won, though it was too close for comfort.
Prediction: Nevada 75, UNLV 71
San Diego State in Nevada
January 31, Tuesday
8:00 PM PT, CBS Sports
Llast week we previewed next week and nevada pulled it off with a win over new mexico so let’s try again.
The Wolfpack host the Aztecs in Reno, while San Diego State and Nevada play Saturday night.
Nevada lost to the Aztecs in San Diego by nine in January, and being at home should be a bonus for the Wolf Pack.
Here’s the good news: Nevada is playing better. Here’s the bad news for them: The Aztecs get the win regardless.
Matt Bradley and Keshad Johnson continue to play well and control the lead in the MWC.
Prediction: San Diego State 74, Nevada 69
POTENTIAL WRONG PICK OF THE WEEK
Utah State at Fresno State 
January 28, Saturday
4:00 PM PT, Mountain West Network
Kkeep in mind that this is a boring choice, meaning it’s unlikely to happen. However, it could happen. Remember when New Mexico was the last undefeated team in the entire country?
Well, the Bulldogs stunned Lobo in Fresno to shock the world. Yes, Fresno State has a bad record, but they somehow find a way to rise up and prepare for the big teams.
Utah State also has to play the Aztecs a few days before and follows up with Fresno’s game at New Mexico on Wednesday, Feb. 1, so it’s a classic trap game.
If the Bulldogs beat Utah State and New Mexico in the same season, Justin Hutson could have a statue on campus.
—More from Matt Wadley—
Matt is a senior writer for SuperWest Sports covering Mountain West football and basketball.