San Diego State looks to clinch share of Mountain West title in final regular season game

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The San Diego State Aztecs (19-10, 13-6) can still win a share of the Mountain West title despite losing four of their last five games. SDSU needs to beat UNLV (16-14, 11-8) on Friday night in their home finale and then have New Mexico win at Utah State on Saturday for a three-way tie at the top of the conference standings.

Why it matters

The Aztecs were the preseason favorite to win the Mountain West regular season title, but a rough non-conference schedule and recent late-season struggles have put their NCAA Tournament at-large bid chances in jeopardy. A conference title would secure SDSU's spot in the Big Dance, while a loss would likely mean they'll need to win the Mountain West Tournament to reach the NCAA Tournament.

The details

SDSU had control of the Mountain West race just last week, but losses at New Mexico and Boise State have opened the door for a potential three-way tie at the top. Utah State currently leads the conference at 14-5, but if the Aggies lose at home to New Mexico on Saturday, that would create a three-way tie between SDSU, Utah State, and New Mexico at 14-6. The Aztecs would then earn a share of the title by beating UNLV in their regular season finale.

• The Aztecs' regular season finale against UNLV is on Friday, March 6 at 7 p.m. PT.
• The potential Mountain West title-deciding game between New Mexico and Utah State is on Saturday, March 7.

What’s next

If the Aztecs beat UNLV and New Mexico defeats Utah State on Saturday, there will be a three-way tie atop the Mountain West standings. The conference tournament in Las Vegas next week will then determine the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.