Last year the coronavirus ruined what a promising San Diego State season. Coach Brian Dutcher’s Aztecs were 30-2 and ranked 4th in the nation. Fans and gamblers could only wonder what if. San Diego State is again ranked in the top 20. But Colorado State, Utah State, and Boise State have been in the thick of the Mountain West race. All of which makes for a compelling Mountain West Conference Tournament this week. Of course, San Diego State is the College Basketball odds favorite. That doesn’t mean the Aztecs are a lock. Gamblers can find value here.
2021 Mountain West Conference Men’s Basketball Tournament
| Date: | March 10-13, 2021 |
|---|---|
| Location: | Thomas & Mack Center, Paradise, Nevada |
| Mountain West Tournament TV Coverage: | CBSSN, CBS, and Stadium |
| Mountain West Tournament odds at SBG: | Click Here |
San Diego State Aztecs (20-4 SU, 13-10 ATS, 12-10-1 O/U)
Above all, San Diego State ranks 4th out of 350 teams for points allowed. That defense is what put the Aztecs in the online wagering black for 2020-21. SDSU has covered three of their last five games. Offensively the Aztecs have two main contributors. Forward Matt Mitchell and guard Jordan Schakel are both over 14 points per game. Of major concern is San Diego State’s secondary scoring.
Colorado State Rams (17-4 SU, 11-8 ATS, 8-11 O/U)
Late on, Colorado State has covered three of their last four against the College basketball odds. Four of the Rams last five games went under the total. Colorado State brings a good balance to the hardwood. To illustrate, the Rams rank 76th for scoring and 49th for points allowed. CSU needs a strong tournament for any chance to make the Big Dance for the first time since 2013. Guards David Roddy and Isaiah Stevens average over 14.5 points per game. Roddy adds 9.6 rebounds per contest.
Utah State Aggies (17-7 SU, 13-9 ATS, 11-11 O/U)
Following a strong start on the board, the Aggies have been giving money back. Utah State has paid only one of their last five games. And four of their last five games have gone over the total. Utah State is two years removed from a Big Dance bid. Further, the Aggies were 26-8 last year and likely would have made the cut. Defensively, Utah State ranks 29th for points allowed. Utah State is a respectable 86th out of 350 teams for scoring. Center Neemias Queta averages 14.8 points and 9.9 rebounds per game.
Boise State Broncos (18-7 SU, 14-9-1 ATS, 13-11 O/U)
Bose State hasn’t made the Big Dance since 2015. Coach Leon Rice was the coach then too. Overall, the Broncos rank 68th for scoring offense and 59th for points allowed. Guard Derrick Alston Jr. leads the Broncos with 17.5 points per game.
Nevada Wolf Pack (14-9 SU, 16-6 ATS, 12-9-1 O/U)
Nevada is no stranger to the NCAA Tournament, making it three straight years from 2017-2019 under Eric Musselman. Last year Steve Alford took over in the attempt to rebuild his coaching resume. Nevada has the hot hand with five payouts in their previous six games. Guard Grant Sherfield leads the Wolf Pack with 18 points and 6.2 assists per game. Meanwhile, guard Desmond Cambridge Jr. brings 15.5 points per contest.
2021 Mountain West Tournament SBG Best Bet: San Diego State Aztecs.