By Max Bechtoldt (@CavsMax13) – Executive Editor
The Mountain West women’s basketball tournament kicks off this afternoon at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, where the Spartans will try to earn their spot into the big dance. Here are some of my predictions for how the event will play out.
1. How will the Spartans fair in the tournament? It is tough to predict too much out of a Spartans team that has struggled to find any momentum this season. SJSU sits at the bottom of the standings with just two conference wins and only five overall. The Spartans face off first against Colorado State, a team who beat them by double digits in both meetings this year. It is hard to imagine SJSU getting past the Rams. Regardless, I am going to go for it and say the Spartans continue the momentum built in the win against Boise State and pull off a shocking upset in round one, before losing in the second. Cydni Lewis has been playing some fantastic basketball as of late, that will be essential for the Spartans to find success in March.
2. Who is a potential Cinderella team in this tournament? I could see Fresno State winning a couple games here due solely to the play of the Cavinder twins, Haley and Hanna. Cinderella stories are generally built on great performances from elite players, and the dynamic duo for the Bulldogs is as good as it gets. Haley Cavinder especially could lift this team, as she averages 19.8 points and 9.5 rebounds per game. If she plays at her best, Fresno State is very dangerous.
3. How will the tournament play out? My semi-finals predictions are Fresno State, Nevada, New Mexico and Wyoming. All chalk other than the eight seed Bulldogs. I think Fresno State does get enough out of the Cavinders to beat top seed UNLV. I think the final will have New Mexico over Nevada. New Mexico had another strong season after winning the MW regular season title last year, I think this year it grabs the tournament title.
4. Who will be on the all-tournament team?
Guard Haley Cavinder – Fresno State
Guard Da’Ja Hamilton – Nevada
Forward Shaiquel McGruder – New Mexico
Forward Antonia Anderson – New Mexico
Center Allyson Fertig – Wyoming
5. Who will win tournament MVP? Her name has come up a lot here, and that is because she is the best and most dynamic player in the conference, Haley Cavinder. In order for Fresno State to win games, she will have to live up to her reputation. She can score, rebound and assist as well as anyone in the country, and I am expecting to see some huge numbers from her.
