By Sofia Wright, Alex Valle and Jarra Gojolo — Content Editors
Las Vegas — San Jose State women’s basketball kicks off the Mountain West Tournament against host UNLV. The Spartans enter the tournament as the No. 4 seed, while the Running Rebels are No. 5. Here are some editor predictions for SJSU’s tournament run:
Sofia Wright: This team can win the whole thing. Coming off a first-round bye, the Spartans are rested and ready.
The quarterfinals pin SJSU against UNLV.
In the first match-up against the Running Rebels, the Spartans were able to get the edge at home. The 62-60 game had 22 lead changes, but it was only the fifth game into conference play and the team has grown since then.
They played UNLV to finish out the season, at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas, and closed out with a commanding 76-63 win. It is clear the team can win here.
From there, the Spartans would most-likely take on Fresno State. They have consistently provided problems for the Spartans. A veteran team, the Bulldogs beat SJSU in overtime and then by two in the last match-up between the two teams. The two losses were fueled by last-minute hiccups, and the Spartans will have the edge this time around.
If SJSU can beat Fresno State, then they have the ability to bring back a trophy to San Jose.
Alex Valle: Although this team can win the whole thing, I think Fresno State is too big of an obstacle to overcome.
Before I get too ahead of myself let’s focus on the quarterfinals.
The Spartans have defeated the Rebels in both meetings that were fueled by SJSU’s defense. Even though this game will be played on UNLV’s home court, that will not be enough to take down SJSU. As long as the Spartans continue to lockdown the Running Rebels, it should be no surprise to see SJSU in the semifinals.
The probable opponent for the Spartans in the semis is Fresno State. The No.1 ranked team in the tournament is no joke.
SJSU fell to Fresno State in both meetings off of a botched inbounds play and a late run in OT respectively. The Bulldogs have struggled as of late dropping two of their three last games to Air Force and Wyoming, but should be prepared for any Mountain West opponent. Fresno State has successfully taken down every team in the conference at least once.
This Spartan team has what it takes to reach the peak of the Mountain West and can get there if they find a way to beat the Bulldogs.
Jarra Gojolo: Despite the Spartans being the higher seed, a win Monday is not even close to a guarantee.
SJSU did defeat UNLV at home a few days ago, but there is a canyon-sized difference between regular-season and tournament basketball. A crazy tournament crowd will be expected for all the Rebels’ games.
The Spartans might not be able to climb out if they find themselves in a big hole early. Basketball is a game of runs, if the atmosphere at Thomas & Mack Center prevents them from gaining some well-needed momentum, that run will not happen.
This matchup is a clash of styles, with SJSU’s high-octane offense battling UNLV’s low scoring defense. The latter allows the third-lowest three-point percentage in the Mountain West.
If SJSU gets past UNLV they have a date with bogeyman Fresno State. The No. 1 seed is the biggest roadblock to the Spartans’ possible Mountain West Championship — if they finally find a way to knock out the Bulldogs they’ll be well on their way to the chip.
Tyra Whitehead will arguably be a bigger factor than leading scorer Ayzhiana Basallo in the tournament. Having a big that can fight down low and get you a bucket is crucial when defenses put extra bodies on the smaller Basallo.
UNLV’s Rodjanae Wade is a paint force in her own right. Whitehead playing her A-game against her direct matchup is a necessity.
Follow Sofia (@sofiagwright), Alex (@AlexValleSpear) and Jarra (@JarraGojolo) on Twitter
