The Sports Gambling Podcast Network breaks down one of the country’s most competitive leagues, giving our Mountain West Conference tournament preview, picks, and best bets.
The MWC returns to the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, with the action tipping off on Wednesday night. As many as seven teams could be capable of cutting down the nets on Saturday afternoon.
In the 17 editions of this tournament at this venue, the regular-season champion has only won the league’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament five times. However, the last three have been won by the No. 1 seed.
This should be one of the more entertaining conference tournaments in the country. So, let’s dive into our Mountain West Conference tournament preview, picks, and best bets.
2024 Mountain West Conference Tournament Preview and Best Bets
Conference Tournament Champion Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook (Organized by Seed in Tournament)
Utah State +425
Nevada +500
Boise State +600
UNLV +550
San Diego State +260
New Mexico +600
Colorado State +750
Wyoming +25000
Fresno State +35000
San Jose State +50000
Air Force +50000
The Favorite: San Diego State +260
Yes, you read this correctly. The No. 5 seed in this tournament has the shortest odds of winning the title. Under veteran coach Brian Dutcher, the Aztecs have won two of the last three and three overall.
San Diego State is the team rated the highest in the MWC by Kenpom and BartTorvik, but I do not love the path to the title this year.
For starters, the Aztecs have to open in a true road game against a UNLV team that just beat them at this same venue a week ago. If they get by that challenge, they are likely met with beating top-seeded Utah State in the semifinal round.
Regardless of how talented and experienced this team is, this is not the tournament where you want to take the shortest odds on the board.
Best Bet: Boise State +600
If you have read any of my other previews, you know that I like to target the easier path to the title game. However, there is no answer to that question in this loaded field.
So, I’m going to take the team that I have rated as the highest since February and the best road squad in conference play. The bonus is the fact that the Broncos have the best odds among the programs with the bye.
The breakdown of the path to the championship also favors Boise. Leon Rice’s squad will likely play a New Mexico team that it beat twice in the regular season.
It then comes down to a potential matchup with Nevada. It will not be easy, but I will get a better price with the Broncos, who I have rated higher on a neutral floor.
Next Favorite Bet: Nevada +500
No team in the Mountain West closed the regular season better than Nevada. Yes, I have had Boise rated higher since February, but the Wolfpack did win the matchup between the two schools last week.
Outside of my ratings, BartTorvik has Nevada as the best team in the conference over the last 10 contests. I also love how Steve Alford’s squad has played away from home.
On the road, the Wolfpack racked up four wins over the elite schools in the MWC. This is the same program that went 6-3 against the spread in conference road games, including five straight covers to end the year.
One of the keys to this success has been the veteran team that Alford has put together for this run. It starts with the two graduate seniors in the backcourt, Jarod Lucas and Kenan Blackshear.
With those two, Alford should always have an elite scorer on the floor. The starting five is rounded out with two senior forwards and another strong offensive threat in Nick Davidson.
I like the winner of Nevada and Boise to cut down the nets, and at some of the best odds on the board, it will be a great price in the title game if either makes it.
Even More College Basketball Content
SGPN has you covered with all the best college basketball content. Our team of degens, experts, and handicappers have been diving deep to know all the teams in advance of March Madness.
So, who are you going to roll with as we get into the Conference and NCAA Tournaments? Some Johnny-Come-Lately Corporate Gambling Shill, or the Degens.
We are LIVE every night at midnight Eastern, breaking down EVERY SINGLE GAME. Ride with Degen Nation, and SGPN will not let you down.