Taking a Look At Week Three’s Mountain West Opponent’s Performances in Week Two
Each Mountain West Team’s opponents in Week 3
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Take a look at each team’s opponents for this week and how they did last week.
Future Foes Week One Recap:
Air Force Falcons 2-1
Mon, Nov. 18th
Texas Christian Horned Frogs:
Jamie Dixon‘s horned frogs didn’t play much this week, and are 2-0 on the season. Their lone division one win was against Louisiana-Lafayette where they outscored the Ragin Cajuns by 33 points to win the game. TCU is still hard to read with only two games under their belt, but they appear to have a dynamic scorer in senior guard Desmond Bane (25.5 PPG) and four other players averaging double digits so far.
Thurs, Nov. 21st
Loyola Marymount Lions:
Loyola Marymount is 1-2 on the season and have yet to win a game against a division one opponent. Their two losses came at the hands of fellow Mountain West members Nevada and Colorado State. The Lions will be looking for that first win of the season and they may get it Thursday against the Falcons. Look out for junior guard Eli Scott who has had two very solid performances (17 PPG, 5.0 APG and 4.5 RPG against MW teams) on the year so far.
Fri, Nov. 22nd
Duquesne Dukes:
The Falcon’s will take on a Duke’s team who is currently undefeated at 3-0 with their most impressive win being a 27 point win at home against Princeton. Duquesne who is coached by Lebron James’ high school coach Keith Dambrot is led by sophomore guard Sincere Carry who is averaging 15.0 PPG in three contests. The Dukes haven’t faceed anyone ranked inside the top 200 per Kenpom yet, so Air Force will be their highest rated competition at 178th.
Sun, Nov. 24th
Indiana State Sycamores:
Larry Bird‘s alma mater is still win less going into week three of the season and could come away with a few wins this week. Their losses have been to pretty solid teams in Louisville and Dayton. And junior guard Tyreke Key is averaging 17.3 PPG and had his best games so far against those big opponents. Watch out for the Sycamores this Sunday Air Force Fans.
Boise State 1-2
Wed, Nov. 20th
Brigham Young Cougars:
The Cougars are 3-1 on the year after a nail biting win against Houston on the road where senior guard TJ Haws shocked the other Cougars (of Houston) on a last second fade away jumper that bounced off of the rim and then dropped in to win the game. With Yoeli Childs still fulfilling that nine game suspension, first year head coach Mark Pope is relying on transfer guards Jake Toolson (15.3 PPG) and Alex Barcello (13.0 PPG) to keep the ship afloat until his return.
Sat, Nov. 23rd
Pacific Tigers:
Damon Stoudamire‘s Tiger squad is 4-2 on the year with two very close losses to South Dakota and Hawaii. They’re not getting it done in a flashy way but playing defense and just outscoring their opponents. Their leading scorer junior guard Justin Moore is averaging just 11.3 PPG. Also watch out for senior guard Jahlil Tripp and big man Amari McCray (6-9 304) who will give Boise State’s front court a challenge.
Colorado State Rams 3-1
Wed, Nov. 20th
Arkansas State Red Wolves:
The Red Wolves are 4-1 going into week three with some decent wins over good squads and an understandable loss to a good Ole Miss team in week one. They have four players averaging over ten points a game and are led in scoring by Turkish guard Canberk Kus who is averaging 14.6 PPG. Aside from junior forward J.J. Matthews Arkansas St. isn’t particularly deep when it comes to their frontcourt, and Nico Carvacho is a lot to handle in the post, so look for him to have a big game on Wednesday.
Fresno State Bulldogs 2-2
Wed, Nov. 20th
Saint Mary’s Gaels:
Randy Bennet’s Gaels are 3-1 on the year with an impressive win against Wisconsin to open the season and tough loss to a good Winthrop team the very next game. They have since rebounded to go 2-0 since then and take on a Bulldogs team that looks to be finding it’s rhythm and leaders early on in the season. The Gaels roster is riddled with talented scorers and senior guard Jordan Ford is leading the team with 19.7 PPG in four contests. The Gaels are the biggest game on a lot of Mountain West team’s non conference schedules and a win against them would be huge for Justin Hutson and his team at this point of the year.
Nevada Wolf Pack 2-2
Tues, Nov. 19th
Davidson Wildcats:
Bob Mckillop’s squad got their first win of the season on Saturday against UNC-Wilmington and did so in convincing fashion, with a 38 point win at home. The Wildcats boast an impressive backcourt with junior guard Kellan Grady and reigning A-10 player of the year Jon Axel Gudmundsson. But don’t take your eyes off of junior guard Carter Collins who is actually the team’s leading scorer with 15.5 PPG and second on the team in rebounds with 5.5 a game. After a loss to USC on Saturday the Wolf Pack could come back to Reno with a quality win in North Carolina.
Fri, Nov. 22nd-Paradise Jam-U.S. Virgin Islands
Fordham Rams:
The Fordham Rams are currently undefeated and come to Reno on Friday to make sure things stay that way. Junior forward Chuba Ohams leads the team with 14.3 PPG and is joined in the frontcourt by sophomore forward Onyi Eyisi who is averaging a double-double (11.5 PPG and 10.5 RPG). The Wolf Pack will be the first real test of the season for the Rams and they will need a good performance from their talented frontcourt and a good contribution from senior guard Antwon Portley to get things done.
The Wolf Pack could face any of the team’s listed below during the tournament.
Possible Opponents: Valparaiso Crusaders, Grand Canyon Antelopes, Illinois State Redbirds, Cincinnati Bearcats, Bowling Green Falcons or Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
New Mexico Lobos 4-0
Tues, Nov. 19th
UTEP Miners:
Bryson Williams is making his return against the Lobos on Tuesday after sitting out last year’s visit to the Pit due to transfer rules. Williams is leading the Miners with 16.0 PPG but has some team mates around him who could fill up a box score if needed. Rodney Terry’s second year in El Paso has been widely anticipated as he and his staff went out on filled this year’s roster with talented transfers. The Miners are a deep team and are 3-0 on the season but two of those wins came against NCAA division 2 members New Mexico Highlands and Eastern New Mexico. And the other win coming at home against a highly touted New Mexico State Squad. The Miners are looking to make it 4-0 against New Mexican schools so far this season on Tuesday, and a lot of fans of the old WAC are going to be watching in Albuquerque.
Thurs, Nov. 21st
New Mexico State Aggies:
Chris Jan and the Aggies are 2-2 on the season after suffering a 15 point loss to UTEP this past week and a 30 point loss to 14th ranked Arizona in Tucson on Sunday. The Aggies are pegged to win the WAC and return to the NCAA Tournament for the 7th time in nine seasons. And with AJ Harris still out with a finger injury the team is led by senior guard Trevelin Queen who is averaging 16.7 PPG for the Aggies so far. The Rio Grande Rivalry is no joke in the state of New Mexico and head coach Paul Weir has yet to beat his former employer since leaving two years ago, so look for both squads to play a passionate game on Thursday.
San Diego State Aztecs 3-0
Wed, Nov. 20th
San Diego Toreros:
The Toreros are 2-3 on the season and have played what it seems to be the most games of any team I’ve covered thus far (typed too soon, keep reading). San Diego has a solid win agaisnt Fresno State at home and a decent win over a Weber St. team that was missing star guard Jerrick Harding. They then suffered an 18 point loss to 23rd ranked Colorado on Saturday. Watch out for sophomore guard Joey Calcaterra who is leading the team with 16.8 PPG, 2.8 RPG and 2.6 APG but was stopped in his tracks against Colorado only putting up ten points after going on a scoring streak in a three game stretch prior. This rivalry is a bit lopsided with the Aztecs leading the Toreros 22-14 all-time but this will still be a fun one to watch on Wednesday.
Fri, Nov. 22nd
Long Island Sharks:
If you haven’t been paying attention to the NEC this past couple of seasons the Long Island Sharks, formerly the Long Island University-Brooklyn Blackbirds underwent a brand remodel. The Sharks are 0-3 on the season but have senior guard Raiquan Clark who is averaging 23.5 PPG in those losses and the nation’s leading rebounder in Tyrn Flowers (13.7 RPG). They have some scoring ability and the Aztecs should prepare for that come Friday in Viejas Arena.
San Jose State Spartans 2-2
Wed, Nov. 20th
Grambling State Tigers:
The Tigers of Grambling State University are 3-0 on the season and have a three-headed scoring attack, which features three players all averaging 17 points a game. Their leading scorer is senior guard Anthony Gaston who brings 17.7 PPG, 4.0 RPG and 2.7 APG to the table but is supported by junior guard Prince moss and senior forward Devante Jackson. The Tigers undefeated record is formed in part with two wins against non-division one opponents. Their lone win against division one competition was a 81-70 away game against Southeastern Louisiana.
Sat, Nov. 23rd
Portland State Vikings:
Barret Peery‘s third year in Portland looks promising. Even though the Vikings are 1-2 on the season those two losses came by smaller than expected margins on the road against Indiana and Hawaii. With a new arena and a lot of new faces making an impact for Portland State, the team is led by graduate transfer Matt Hauser (18.3 PPG, 4.7 RPG and 2.0 SPG). But don’t forget about junior guard Holland Woods with 17.0 PPG and a 27 point performance in Bloomington. The Viking’s aren’t particularly tall outside of Trey Woods and Sal Nuhu but they press a lot and have some shooters.
Nevada-Las Vegas Running Rebels 1-3
Mon, Nov. 18th-Southwestern Showdown
Abilene Christian Wildcats:
ACU is 1-2 on the season so far with that win coming against Arlington Baptist and both losses to Drexel and Pepperdine were close ones (3 and 4 points). The Wildcats are picked to finish 3rd in the Southland Conference and are led by senior guard Payten Ricks who is averaging 18.3 PPG, 2.7 RPG and 1.7 APG. Also make sure to look out for junior center Kolton Kohl, who provides the wildcats with some size inside (7-0 240) and is averaging 12.7 PPG and 5.0 RPG.
Wed, Nov. 20th
Texas State Bobcats:
The Bobcats have already lost to one Mountain West team at Air Force by 7 points and look to avoid another this week against the Running Rebels. Senior guard Nijal Pearson is leading the team with 19.0 PPG and gave 24th ranked Baylor some trouble with a 20 point, 5 rebounds and 6 assist performance on Friday. UNLV need’s some more wins after a rough week against the PAC-12 and look for this to be one on Wednesday.
Sat, Nov. 23rd
Southern Methodist Mustangs:
The Mustangs are undefeated going into week three and have multiple weapons to use against the Running Rebels. Junior forward Isiaha Mike is averaging 20.0 PPG and junior college transfer Tyson Jolly is right behind him with 19.3 PPG. But a bit lower on the stat sheet is junior forward Ethan Chargois who was an all around scoring threat last year and needs to be accounted for on the floor. Like I said above, UNLV needs some wins this week and this would be a nice addition to the resume.
Utah State Aggies 4-0
Mon, Nov. 18th
Texas-San Antonio Roadrunners:
The Roadrunners are currently 0-4 on the season and will be looking for their first win of the on Monday night. It is a bit surprising as UTSA was predicted to finish 2nd in Conference-USA preseason polls. That pick is completed warranted as the Roadrunners have to high scoring guards returning in Jhivvan Jackson (25.8 PPG) and Keaton Wallace (20.2 PPG in 18-19). It’s hard to look at a winless team as a threat but the Aggies need to bring their A game and close out if they want to remain undefeated.
Fri, Nov. 22nd
LSU Tigers:
The Tigers are currently 2-1 on the season but dropped out of the top 25 this week. LSU will have their toughest game of the season yet, against No. 15 ranked USU on Friday. The Aggies are still without Neemias Queta and the Tigers aren’t very “tall” but have strong athletic forwards on their roster to throw at them. Freshman Trendon Watford is one to watch out for in the paint and can stretch the floor if needed. And senior guard Skylar Mays is averaging 19.7 PPG but isn’t the only Tiger to watch out for on the perimeter. LSU has plenty of guys who could have a good scoring night and give the Aggies their first loss of the season in Jamaica.
Sun, Nov. 24th
North Texas Mean Green:
North Texas is 1-3 on the season and are in a bit of a scoring rut against division one opponents. Their leading scorer is sophomore guard Umoja Gibson who is averaging 9.3 PPG and not too many other players on the roster look like challengers for that top scoring spot either. But it is dangerous to underestimate your opponent but as long as the Aggies are knocking down shots on Sunday they should be fine.
Wyoming Cowboys 1-3
Tues, Nov. 19th
Detroit Mercy Titans:
The Titans are 0-2 in two losses to two ACC teams but shouldn’t be slept on come Tuesday night in Laramie. Detroit Mercy is led for the second season by super sophomore Antoine Davis. Davis is averaging 28.0 PPG and is coming off of averaging 26.1 PPG as a true freshman last year and is the preseason pick to win POY in the Horizon this year. He doesn’t have much of a supporting cast at the moment but watch out for the Titans to earn there first win on Tuesday if Davis has a big night and others help out.
Thurs, Nov. 21st
Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns
The team from down south with maybe the best if not a top three name for their mascot in all college basketball are 3-1 on the season and could very well make it 4-1 on Thursday in Laramie. The Ragin’ Cajuns are led by junior forward Jalen Johnson, a transfer from St. Louis who is averaging 20.0 PPG and 7.5 RPG on the season. But Louisiana has multiple scoring threats with junior guard Cedric Russell and freshman forward Kobe Julien both averaging above fourteen points a game behind Johnson. This will be a tough game for the Cowboys at home and I look forward to it.
Sun, Nov. 24th
No. 23 Colorado Buffaloes
The Buffaloes of Colorado are right where most expected them to be. A Top 25 ranking after week two and undefeated. Tad Boyle has a deep and talented squad and they are being led by junior guard D’Shawn Schwartz with 15.0 PPG. Our preseason top 25 opposing players rankings were riddled with Colorado players and they are proving exactly why. Junior forward Tyler Bey is averaging a double-double (14.5 PPG and 11.0 RPG) and junior guard Mckinley Wright IV is a Swiss army knife averaging 14.0 PPG, 6.5 RPG and 5.0 APG. Watch out for a tough game on Sunday Cowboy fans.
