All-Time Mountain West Basketball: No. 8 BYU vs. No. 9 New Mexico
Bitter rivals go after it in this virtual tournament.
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2009 BYU vs. 2012 New Mexico
The final first round series features 2009 BYU and 2012 New Mexico this is a No. 8 vs. No. 9 seed and has the making of a pretty good series. It does go seven games so this is an exciting one to follow.
These teams are both pretty balanced. Tempo will be a factor, as BYU likes to run and New Mexico plays at a more average pace. Can a young Jimmer Fredette lead his team to victory? Or will New Mexico’s ball movement and great defense be too much for BYU?
Keys for New Mexico: Get the ball inside as BYU has good but not great size protecting the rim and Chris mIles is foul prone; Get Jimmer off his spots and make him uncomfortable
Keys for BYU: Share the ball, there’s a lot of offensive talent on this team; clog passing lanes and make New Mexico play out of isolation.
Game 1: Marriott Center, Series tied 0-0
Young Jimmer can’t quite get it going as New Mexico steals home court advantage in game 1.
Game 2: Marriott Center, New Mexico leads series 1-0.
BYU dominated the first half and is able to coast to victory in the second. Will they be able to take a game in the Pit though?
Game 3: The Pit, Series tied 1-1.
New Mexico get hot behind the arc and BYU falls apart in the second half, giving New Mexico the lead in the series.
Game 4: The Pit, New Mexico leads 2-1.
In game 4 the script is reversed, as BYU gets incredibly hot from behind the arc and will return to Utah with the series tied.
Game 5: Marriott Center, Series tied 2-2.
BYU can’t complete the comeback as they only make a single jumper in the final 4:00 of regulation. Can New Mexico close out the series at home?
Game 6: The Pit, New Mexico leads 3-2.
BYU comes through and takes game 6 on the road. Will they be able to defend their home court?
Game 7: Marriott Center, Series tied 3-3.
Color me surprised. Given the flow of the series I thought New Mexico was going to take it, but BYU pulled through in front of their home fans. They now get to face the #1 overall seed, 2011 San Diego State.
