For those new to the site, this “The Student Section Supports” segment takes a look at one specific matchup that has the potential to either be a surprising upset or an extremely tight game between two evenly matched teams. Generally speaking, this segment will steer clear of the top, marquee matchups due to the fact that there will be plenty of press about those games anyway. The Mountain West has a great one on the slate for late Saturday night, when New Mexico—losers of three of their last five—go to Vegas to take on the Runnin’ Rebs, who have won four in a row. According to ESPN, it’s Student Spirit Week, so I’ll type this with some extra fervor!

When: Saturday, 10 ET.

NEW MEXICO (16-5): The Lobos are reeling. Once a 14-1 squad, it appears to be gut-check time for Steve Alford’s club. (Yes, the former Iowa coach is now in the Southwest.)  They’re a fun club to watch on the tube, but they can definitely be erratic at times; that seems to have finally caught up with them. FYI: A lobo is actually a wolf—in Spanish. Someone named George S. Bryan, a sophomore at the school in 1920, suggested the name as the school’s mascot. This information is critical to Saturday’s outcome.

Could win because…They don’t have many players that turn the ball over consistently. To me, one of the three biggest factors to winning on the road is to eliminate turning the ball over.  If the Wolves can push the tempo (which they like to do) and not foul (which they also like to do) then they’ll have the best chance to get back above .500 in the MWC.

Could lose because…Their road prowess is pretty pathetic. Only a 4-4 record away from their home turf floor. They’ve also lost four of their last five against Vegas.

UNLV (16-4): While beating New Mexico would be great for their confidence (and conference standing), it wouldn’t really be too big of a signature win. Vegas is a team that doesn’t have any terrific non-con wins on the docket (Fresno State? Minnesota?), but has been a menace in the MWC. I’d say they’re pretty similar to last year’s team which, if you recall, made a Sweet 16 appearance.

Could win because…They could really be finding their groove now. The Rebs have scored more than 70 points in each of their last five games (all wins) and are winning those games by an average of about nine points.

Could lose because…They don’t get the points from a lot of places. Wink Adams (imagine growing up with that name) is their leading scorer, averaging 15.5/game. Outside of him, Joe Darger is a great, reliable guy down low, but there appears to be no Alpha Dog on this team.

Friday, February 1st, 2008 @ 11:00 am Student Section Supports
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