Women: New Mexico vs. San Diego State
Monday, 3:30 p.m., Las Vegas Nevada. Radio: 610 AM/95.9 FM. Streaming: themw.com
*Blocks ^Steals What you need to know about New Mexico:
The Lobos come into the Mountain West tournament on a roll, winners of six straight and 10 of their last 12. Offense has been the most obvious factor as UNM has averaged 81.5 points per game over their last six games, with four players (McGruder, Brown and the Duff twins) averaging double-figure points over that span. Points figure to be harder to come by in MWC tournament play, however. San Diego State has the league’s best scoring defense and is 18-0 when holding foes to 60 points or fewer. UNM lost a 65-61 decision to SDSU in San Diego, but its 83-78 win at the Pit marked the most points allowed by the Aztecs in a conference game. Augmon and Reus scored 17 points each in that game. UNM ranks eighth in MWC scoring defense (67.9 ppg) but has allowed just 64 points per game during its winning streak. The Lobos have a +1.0 rebounding margin in MWC play. a drastic improvement from early in the season. Their overall margin is -1.8 per game.
*Blocks ^Steals What you need to know about San Diego State:
The Aztecs have an experienced team that normally tends to play its best basketball in the Mountain west tournament. SDSU started earlier this season and posted the best regular season of Terry-Hutson’s coaching tenure. Defense has been the biggest difference. The Aztecs led the MWC in scoring defense (56.6 points allowed per game) and ranked second in forced turnovers (18.2) and steals (9.8) per contest. Most of SDSU’s offensive numbers land in the middle of the MWC pack, including 3-point shooting (seventh at 5.5 made per game). But the Aztecs are as capable as anyone of getting on a roll. They rank second in 3-point accuracy (35.7%) and the presence of Morris inside keeps opposing defenses from crowding the perimeter. Ramos, who ranks among the program’s career leaders in scoring and assists, is at her best in crunch time. Point guard Avinger excels at attacking the basket, while Staples is a standout shooter.