Western Athletic Tourney Preview

At Lawlor Events Center (Reno, Nev.)
OPENING ROUND
Tuesday, March 10
Game 1: No. 8 Hawai'i vs. No. 9 Fresno State, 10:30 p.m.

QUARTERFINALS
Thursday, March 12
Game 2: No. 4 Boise State vs. No. 5 New Mexico State, ESPNU, 3 p.m.
Game 3: No. 1 Utah State vs. Game 1 winner, ESPNU, 5:30 p.m.
Game 4: No. 2 Nevada vs. No. 7 San Jose State, 9 p.m.
Game 5: No. 3 Idaho vs. No. 6 Louisiana Tech, 11:30 p.m.

SEMIFINALS
Friday, March 13
Game 6: Game 2 winner vs. Game 3 winner, 9 p.m.
Game 7: Game 4 winner vs. Game 5 winner, ESPN2, midnight

CHAMPIONSHIP
Saturday, March 14
Game 6 winner vs. Game 7 winner, ESPN2, 10 p.m.


Team to watch: Utah State. The Aggies would be right on the bubble if they end up losing a game in the tournament. They need to make it to the conference championship to really secure a spot, but winning would make it a whole lot easier come Sunday!

Player to watch: Gary Wilkinson. He was named WAC player of the year and let Utah State in points and rebounds per game. Wilkinson was also named to the first team all-conference last season and is the main component for the Aggies.

Upset watch: Boise State. They have not played well as of late, but all it takes is a spark to make a run through conference tournaments. The Broncos have three starters named to the WAC all-conference team led by second teamer Mark Sanchez. They also have a victory over Utah State during the year.

Tourney watch: Utah State is on the bubble and needs to get to the conference championship game to get into consideration. Outside of winning the tournament, no other team really has a shot. With Wilkinson up front and guard Jared Quayle, I expect the Aggies of Utah State to win the tournament and take the decision out of the committee's hands.