OT: MWC Bball Tourney

[Vegas_Bronco]

Get ready boys....it's that time of the year again!

http://magazine.unlv.edu/Issues/Summer07/images/21father&son.jpg

Let me know if any of you are coming down to the games! Tix go on sale March 1st and I wouldn't want anyone missing out on UNLV's repeat championship game over BYU :~ohyah!: :thumbs: :~ohyah!:

Wednesday, Mar 12
M Basketball MWC Men's First Round (#8 vs. #9) Las Vegas, Nev. 11:00 AM

Thursday, Mar 13
M Basketball MWC Men's Quarterfinal #1 Las Vegas, Nev. 12:00 PM
M Basketball MWC Men's Quarterfinal #2 Las Vegas, Nev. 2:30 PM
M Basketball MWC Men's Quarterfinal #3 Las Vegas, Nev. 6:00 PM
M Basketball MWC Men's Quarterfinal #4 Las Vegas, Nev. 8:30 PM

Friday, Mar 14
M Basketball MWC Men's Semifinal #1 Las Vegas, Nev. 6:00 PM
M Basketball MWC Men's Semifinal #2 Las Vegas, Nev. 8:30 PM

Saturday, Mar 15
M Basketball MWC Men's Championship Game Las Vegas, Nev. 4:00 PM

http://themwc.cstv.com/champ/08-mwc-bb_tourney.html

[Mr Chatterboodamn]

it's gonna be the lorenzo wade/billy white show!!!

[missingnumber7]

I'm voting for Tim Miles and CSU...just cuz Tim's a good guy.

[BroncosMT]

BYU always seems to crumble come tourney time!!

[rugbythug]

Go WYO

[RhymesayersDU]

Everyone's a Lobo WOOF WOOF WOOF.

[GoHAM]

Go WYO

Couldn't of said it better myself!! :rofl:

[sgbfan]

I want to know what BYU needs to do to get homecourt advantage for the tournament. . . Its crap that its in Vegas 2 years in a row. I am close, so vegas is the only place I can make the tournament, so thats nice, but to give UNLV homecourt for 2 yrs + in a row is crap.

[loborugger]

Everyone's a Lobo WOOF WOOF WOOF.

What he said :strong:

[MileHighMagic]

NEW MEXICO LOBOS!!!

http://kob.com/kobtvimages/lobos_basketball_logo.jpg
http://assets.espn.go.com/photo/2007/0323/ncb_a_alford_195.jpg
http://media.buffzone.com/buff/content/img/photos/2006/11/13/ABILENE_CHRISTIAN_NEW_MEXIC_t220.jpg

-best player
-best coach
-hot at the right time

[Crushaholic]

Go, Lon Kruger...:thumbs:

[RhymesayersDU]

I want to know what BYU needs to do to get homecourt advantage for the tournament. . . Its crap that its in Vegas 2 years in a row. I am close, so vegas is the only place I can make the tournament, so thats nice, but to give UNLV homecourt for 2 yrs + in a row is crap.

I don't think it's a matter of home court... I think it's a matter of them putting it in an area people would want to take a trip to.

Wasn't it always in Vegas? And then they switched to Denver for a neutral court for a couple years, and now it's in Vegas again?

I could be wrong, but I thought the Vegas thing was more to give people incentive to make the trip.

[bap454]

Refuse To Vote With No Wyo As An Option. Go Pokes!

[BroncosMT]

I don't think it's a matter of home court... I think it's a matter of them putting it in an area people would want to take a trip to.

Wasn't it always in Vegas? And then they switched to Denver for a neutral court for a couple years, and now it's in Vegas again?

I could be wrong, but I thought the Vegas thing was more to give people incentive to make the trip.

Yeah that is what I've heard as well. Vegas creates more of an attraction but obviously gives UNLV a huge advanatage every year. It would be nice for BYU to host as they have a nice streak going for them right now....but it will never happen.

[Vegas_Bronco]

ITS ALL ABOUT THE $ FOR THE MWC - If you held the tournament in Denver, SLC, or even Provo on 3 different years over the next 3 seasons, you still would not make what they get in 1 tournament in Las Vegas - just sit down and think about it for a while! Not only does the city understand how to hand out incentives, they also love their basketball team. Las Vegas draws thousands of more to the tourney just based on it's location.

UNLV has consistently represented the Conference FAR BETTER than any other team since Utah in the National Tourney. They finished last year in the sweet 16!!!

I might be wrong but I don't think BYU has ever been past the 2nd round. Utah has been to the final four 4 times. New Mexico may have done well, but never as well as Utah or UNLV and San Diego State has made it to the final four....errrrr, welll........in the NIT! Hilarious!

Good luck to all teams that make it....you'll need it. And for all those for BYU, well look at the huge game Plasted had last time he was in Las Vegas...ie, it ain't gonna happen!

[Vegas_Bronco]

Yeah that is what I've heard as well. Vegas creates more of an attraction but obviously gives UNLV a huge advanatage every year. It would be nice for BYU to host as they have a nice streak going for them right now....but it will never happen.

The huge advantage is that we have: 1) Lon Kruger; 2) our players are better than the rest of the MWC - look at the records; 3) BYU has no tournament clout - they suck when it comes to the big games!

I have nothing against BYU - in fact many of my family members went to the Happy Valley for school but just quit with the 'homecourt' whining...it's old and you have nothing to show that proves your point. Please....Don't worry about winning the MWC tourney, just worry about winning that 2nd game of the tournament you can't seem to get by - that is the key! You sucked it up last year and better show up this year!

[Kaylore]

BYU

[RhymesayersDU]

So, slightly off the MWC tourney topic...

But how many MWC teams do you think get in the big dance?

Obviously, there will be 1 who is the champ automatically... But, I'm thinking... The runner up as well? I doubt the Lobos make it w/o winning the tourney, I think BYU and UNLV have their spots all but wrapped up... But still, I wonder if the selection committee would give the MWC 3 teams. I doubt it, but wilder things have happened.

Boy has Alford turned a crap program into at least a respectable program over night.

[loborugger]

Yeah that is what I've heard as well. Vegas creates more of an attraction but obviously gives UNLV a huge advanatage every year. It would be nice for BYU to host as they have a nice streak going for them right now....but it will never happen.


Back when the MW was the WAC before the WAC went insane and invited every scrub school in the western US into the WAC, it seems to me that the previous year's WAC champion hosted the tourney. I do remember the Lobos hosting at least one year, along with Utah. I also seem to remember UNM beating Utah for the WAC championship and Rick "I live in a hotel" Majerus saying the only reason UNM beat Utah was cuz it was in Alb. In turn, the local rock station put together a fund raiser and sent Majerus 1000 wonder bras. :~ohyah!:

Its seems like the always in Vegas thing came up only when the WAC was a 16 team conference. It seems like part of the reasoning for snatching up UNLV was to have the city of Las Vegas in the conference. Vegas is a GREAT venue and of that there is no doubt. It also gives the MW, which is a 2nd rate conference, some added publicity. Finally, cities like Albuquerque - and the Pit is a great arena - Salt Lake and esp a town like Laramie, just cant compete with all that Vegas is.

But, in the end, it would be nice if UNLV didnt always get a home appearance for the MW tourney.

[fido]

go wyo

[Kaylore]

http://www.byucougars.com/uploads/graphics/basketball_m/Burgess_s-trophy-WYO08-mp.jpg

:wave:

[BroncosMT]

Love the Pic Kaylore!!! Go COUGS!!!!

[WyoLaw]

Go Pokes!!!

[MileHighMagic]

I can't believe we went 3-21 from 3 pt land against BYU! Best 3 pt shooting percentage in the country! I went to the game and almost started throwing ****. We had em!

ESPN says that we are in if we beat lowly CSU tomorrow.

GO LOBOS!!! :thumbs:

[ColoradoBuff]

GO Buffs....whoops. Wrong thread:))

[sgbfan]

Yeah that is what I've heard as well. Vegas creates more of an attraction but obviously gives UNLV a huge advanatage every year. It would be nice for BYU to host as they have a nice streak going for them right now....but it will never happen.

I know the reason they have the tournament in vegas. Its just an unfair advantage for one team to have the tournament at their court year after year. If BYU would have won last year, they would have possibly gotten a 6 seed instead of the 8 or 9 they got last year. It makes a big difference where the game is played. I don't mind the games in Vegas since I am only a few hours away. It is just an unfair advantage for UNLV, and I would like to see if they could take BYU on a neutral court. If it is BYU UNLV in the final game, it will be much closer than the first game this year.

[24champ]

UNLV!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

REEEEEBEEELLLLLS!

REEEEEBEEEEELLLS!



http://www.unlvbasketball.com/images/unlvwin.jpg

[RhymesayersDU]

So, for reference, on the whole Tourney Location deal, they had an article in the ABQ Journal the other day.

They get about 12K fans in Vegas, and only about 7K fans in Denver.

[Rocket 7]

UNLV!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

REEEEEBEEELLLLLS!

REEEEEBEEEEELLLS!



http://www.unlvbasketball.com/images/unlvwin.jpg

UNM will have UNLV crying ever more

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/dipsomaniac1/07_08_lobos_08_unlv.jpg

[24champ]

Took ya 4 tries to beat UNLV Dipso...


UNM will have UNLV crying ever more

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/dipsomaniac1/07_08_lobos_08_unlv.jpg

Crying tears of joy of winning it back to back. UNLV has ALWAYS made the MWC finals when the MWC tourney is held in Vegas.


http://graphics.fansonly.com/schools/unlv/graphics/07-unlv-mbb-champions.jpg
http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/unlv/sports/m-baskbl/auto_action/983452.jpeg

[Vegas_Bronco]

Dipso....say, where are those boys on your team from?....AAAAAAHHHHHYEEAAAAAAH! thems are Las Vegas boys aren't they....HMMMMMMM?

[Vegas_Bronco]

okay Here We Go:

pick The Winners

1) Byu
Vs
8/9) Csu Or Wyo

4) SAN DIEGO ST
Vs
5) AIR FORCE

2) UNLV
Vs
7) TCU

3) NEW MEXICHOKE
Vs
6) UTAH

[24champ]

okay Here We Go:

pick The Winners

1) Byu
Vs
8/9) Csu Or Wyo

4) SAN DIEGO ST
Vs
5) AIR FORCE

2) UNLV
Vs
7) TCU

3) NEW MEXICHOKE
Vs
6) UTAH

Alright here is how I see it unfolding. Now the MWC is always competitive basketball, so I am positive there will be a couple interesting upsets...

Tommorow-

(8)Wyoming beats (9)CSU

Thursday-

(1)BYU beats (8)Wyoming

(4) SDSU loses to (5) Air Force

(2)UNLV beats (7) TCU

(3) New Mexico beats (6) Utah

Friday
(1)BYU beats (5) Air Force

(2) UNLV beats (3) New Mexico Hobos.


FINALS

(1) BYU vs (2) UNLV

UNLV wins easily.:)

[24champ]

Dipso....say, where are those boys on your team from?....AAAAAAHHHHHYEEAAAAAAH! thems are Las Vegas boys aren't they....HMMMMMMM?

You got UNM confused with San Diego State. They have White and Wade.

[Kaylore]

Alright here is how I see it unfolding. Now the MWC is always competitive basketball, so I am positive there will be a couple interesting upsets...

Tommorow-

(8)Wyoming beats (9)CSU

Thursday-

(1)BYU beats (8)Wyoming

(4) SDSU loses to (5) Air Force

(2)UNLV beats (7) TCU

(3) New Mexico beats (6) Utah

Friday
(1)BYU beats (5) Air Force

(2) UNLV beats (3) New Mexico Hobos.


FINALS

(1) BYU vs (2) UNLV

UNLV loses and everyone makes fun of their awful smell of poo
FYP

[24champ]

FYP

Still bitter from the last tourney? I would be too.:wave:

[Vegas_Bronco]

You got UNM confused with San Diego State. They have White and Wade.

Yeah, oops - traders all of them! check this out though:

Jamaal Smith is from Las Vegas and averages 8.9 pts per game. This just makes me sick!

http://golobos.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/smith_jamaal00.html

[Mr Chatterboodamn]

You got UNM confused with San Diego State. They have White and Wade.

Yes, you will know them as the ballas who did a little tapdance on the MWC tourney ala USD on Gonzaga.

[Rocket 7]

New Mexico has been playing very well the past few weeks. It won't stop come MWC tourney time. I see my Lobos winning very close games but will come out as tourney champs.

[U4EA]

Go Aztecs!!!!

[MileHighMagic]

New Mexico has been playing very well the past few weeks. It won't stop come MWC tourney time. I see my Lobos winning very close games but will come out as tourney champs.

AMEN!

[24champ]

Yeah, oops - traders all of them! check this out though:

Jamaal Smith is from Las Vegas and averages 8.9 pts per game. This just makes me sick!

http://golobos.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/smith_jamaal00.html

I don't like to toot my own here, but many of the Vegas products that are in the MWC right now I have played with in high school. I've played with Jamaal Smith when he was a freshman, In fact I was coached and trained by his father Mr. Smith and then there's Wade whom I've played with in the summer leagues before.

[sgbfan]

New Mexico has been playing very well the past few weeks. It won't stop come MWC tourney time. I see my Lobos winning very close games but will come out as tourney champs.

They still werent able to beat BYU in NM. Cougs will be victorious over everyone in their way this weekend.

[24champ]

They still werent able to beat BYU in NM. Cougs will be victorious over everyone in their way this weekend.

That's what they (BYU Fans) said last year...

[BroncosMT]

Alright here is how I see it unfolding. Now the MWC is always competitive basketball, so I am positive there will be a couple interesting upsets...

Tommorow-

(8)Wyoming beats (9)CSU

Thursday-

(1)BYU beats (8)Wyoming

(4) SDSU loses to (5) Air Force

(2)UNLV beats (7) TCU

(3) New Mexico beats (6) Utah

Friday
(1)BYU beats (5) Air Force

(2) UNLV beats (3) New Mexico Hobos.


FINALS

(1) BYU vs (2) UNLV

UNLV wins easily.:)


Wow....I wouldn't say UNLV wins easily. First off I don't think that AF gets past SDST....SDST has been playing some good ball lately too AEB their win over BYU at home. I think NM has been playing very tough lately and could very well have beaten BYU at home. I would love for BYU to win it as they have lived through adversity all year but UNLV defenitely has a home court advanatage......all I do know is that it will be a great Tourney.

Prediction: BYU COUGARS!!!!!!!!

[Jerry Curl]

Wyoming makes a magical run throughout the tourney and takes it on a last second shot...one can hope, right?

But if I had to pick someone besides wyo I'd go with UNLV.

[MileHighMagic]

They still werent able to beat BYU in NM. Cougs will be victorious over everyone in their way this weekend.

True, but UNM outplayed them and were frosty from 3 pt land. (3-21) The Lobos can play with them.

[24champ]

Wow....I wouldn't say UNLV wins easily. First off I don't think that AF gets past SDST....SDST has been playing some good ball lately too AEB their win over BYU at home. I think NM has been playing very tough lately and could very well have beaten BYU at home. I would love for BYU to win it as they have lived through adversity all year but UNLV defenitely has a home court advanatage......all I do know is that it will be a great Tourney.

Prediction: BYU COUGARS!!!!!!!!

In bold is why UNLV will win it. They have always made the finals when the tourney is held at the Mack.

Secondly Air Force has been able to make the Aztecs play to their tempo in both of the regular season games. Lost in SD and won in Colorado Springs. AF do have a knock against them, they always do poorly in Tourney play.

[ColoradoBuff]

Freakin CSewe knocked of the Cowboys!

[24champ]

WOW...thats a definite SHOCKER.

[sgbfan]

True, but UNM outplayed them and were frosty from 3 pt land. (3-21) The Lobos can play with them.

Inconveniently, everybody has been "Frosty " from the 3 point line vs BYU since UNLV back in Jan. It has nothing todo with BYU's defense. . .

[nickademus]

unm is getting hot at the right time, and they got hosed in that byu game I was there it was bad. but I am not sure if they dont beat byu or unlv that they will make the tourney.

[Vegas_Bronco]

For all those who think the MWC tourney shouldn't be here, They just announced that the WCC conference tourney will be held in Las Vegas next year - claimining that it is a 'nuetral court'. So we get to see SD and Gonzaga first hand next year. You just can't beat the draw that Las Vegas brings - its a no brainer. Funny enough, I think it's being held at the Palace Station.

Way too much UNM love in this thread - GO REBELS!!!

Soon enough they'll realize that the super bowl would be huge here - a good way to get some of that recently reduced capital back. Now that cheating is involved in the NBA and NFL, they're primed to move the big games to Las Vegas.

[zms325i]

Rammies might go on a run like 7 years ago.....

[24champ]

For all those who think the MWC tourney shouldn't be here, They just announced that the WCC conference tourney will be held in Las Vegas next year - claimining that it is a 'nuetral court'. So we get to see SD and Gonzaga first hand next year. You just can't beat the draw that Las Vegas brings - its a no brainer. Funny enough, I think it's being held at the Palace Station.

Way too much UNM love in this thread - GO REBELS!!!

Soon enough they'll realize that the super bowl would be huge here - a good way to get some of that recently reduced capital back. Now that cheating is involved in the NBA and NFL, they're primed to move the big games to Las Vegas.

It will most likely be held at the orleans arena. Its funny that Las Vegas Sun columnist essentially trashed Denver for hosting the MWC tourney and what a failure that was.

[Jerry Curl]

Damn, yesterday sucked, bad.


And Vegas is an awesome place for the tourney imo.

[BroncosMT]

BYU set some records with their win over CSU today with point of margin and shooting percentage. Go Cougs!!!!

[Kaylore]

BYU set some records with their win over CSU today with point of margin and shooting percentage. Go Cougs!!!!

:yayaya:

[MileHighMagic]

Is the UNM Utah game available to watch on the computer? CSTV or something?

[24champ]

UNLV squeaks out a win versus TCU with a last second 3 pointer.

89-88...too close for my liking. Anyway Hope UNM bites the dust tonight.

[MileHighMagic]

UNLV squeaks out a win versus TCU with a last second 3 pointer.

89-88...too close for my liking. Anyway Hope UNM bites the dust tonight.

Damn! That coulda been huge for us.

[24champ]

March 13, 2008

LAS VEGAS (AP) - UNLV answered TCU's record onslaught of 3-pointers with a three-point play by Wink Adams in the closing seconds that gave the Runnin' Rebels an 89-88 win over the Horned Frogs in a Mountain West Conference quarterfinal Thursday night.

The Horned Frogs sank an incredible 17-of-23 shots from beyond the arc, including six by Brent Hackett, whose final 3-pointer with Joe Darger all over him put TCU ahead 88-86 with 30 seconds left.

After two timeouts, Adams got the ball beyond the arc and drove to the hoop. His shot fell through as he was fouled by Kevin Langford with 3.4 seconds left, and his bonus made it 89-88, the 16th lead change to go with 15 ties in a thrilling seesaw game at the rocking Thomas & Mack Center.

The second-seeded Horned Frogs (14-16) had one more shot at the upset of the second-seeded Rebels (25-7), who won this tournament a year ago on their home court. But Hackett's running jumper at the buzzer hit the front of the iron.

Nobody would have been surprised had he pulled up and fired up another 3-pointer.

Hackett led the Frogs with 26 points and was 6-of-8 from long-range. Langford had 21 points, including two 3-pointers, and Ryan Wall scored all 15 of his points on 5-of-6 shooting from beyond the arc.

The Horned Frogs actually were much sharper from beyond the arc than inside of it, making 74 percent from 3-point range and just 37 percent (10-of-27) on regular field goal attempts.

The Rebels, who won this tournament a year ago, joined the fun in the final seven minutes, sinking four 3-pointers of their own, two of them by Adams, who led UNLV with 29 points.

UNLV, which allowed more than 74 points just once this season, in an 81-73 loss at Utah, tied its season high for 3-pointers, sinking 11 in 25 tries.

Adams was 10-of-15 from the floor, 3-of-5 on 3s and 6-of-8 from the line. Rene Rougeau made all seven of his shots for 17 points, Curtis Terry scored 15 and Darger and Matt Shaw had 11 each.






Of the Horned Frogs' dozen first-half baskets, 10 of them were 3-pointers, and they trailed the second-seeded Runnin' Rebels 40-38 at halftime.

TCU used a 15-2 run to take a 61-56 lead, a run fueled by 3-pointers from Langford and Wall.


http://themwc.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/031308aak.html

[24champ]

UNM about to lose to freaking UTAH!

70-63 Utah. with around 3 minutes left in the game.

[24champ]

UNM and Utes going to OT.

[24champ]

UTES WIN!!!!! HOLY CRAP!

82-80.

Hobos are NOT going dancing this year. You can kiss that goodbye.

[Kaylore]

This poll gets funnier and funnier

[24champ]

Yeah ESPN just projected UNM out of the Dance on Sportscenter.

Should be a good final between SDSU and UNLV right Kahn? ;D

[Kaylore]

Yeah ESPN just projected UNM out of the Dance on Sportscenter.

Should be a good final between SDSU and UNLV right Kahn? ;D

Oh, are we playing make-believe now?

[24champ]

Oh, are we playing make-believe now?

No It would be make believe if I said BYU wins the whole thing. :welcome:

[Vegas_Bronco]

Well after a full day's work at the Thomas and Mack let me throw down a few worthless observations:<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
BYU v. CSU<o:p></o:p>
Can you please get some gamemanship notices to those d...! BYU fans! I couldn't believe their band running over the other bands songs. I mead I thought they were gonna throw down the piccolo's and get it on!<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Funny enought everytime anything BYU took the court today - they got nothing but BOO'S from the rest of the MWC. When you finish on top and your a respectably prideful mormon school - I guess you got a target on your back. YOU ARE THE 2,000 PD GORILLA READY TO FALL!<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
So BYU has the hottest game of the tournament against a weak 1-17 CSU squad. I'll take that any day of the tournament. Good luck shooting 74% (2nd half today) tomorrow or the next night when a real defense hits the floor. UofU, SDSU, and UNLV all come into the tournament after a grueling end of season schedule. We'll see how BYU looks tomorrow when they play a solid defensive unit and one that could match their scoring. It should be the real welcoming to the tourney for this club, meaning no more 21-2 runs.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Congrats to CSU for ending the 17 game loser streak - Rockies are definitely to blame! Just stay away from anything Broncos/Nuggets related this year - PULEEEESE! We don't need any of those vibes getting north.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
SDSU v. AIR FORCE<o:p></o:p>
Referees totally homered for the Aztecs to win. Air Force had a great game with excellent fight, while the Aztecs couldn't hit a shot all night. I think they were a whopping 30-35% from the floor - had they played Utah or UNM, they would be going home tonight. Good thing they made their free throws and had that trader-guy from Las Vegas on their team - Wade. I hope they do better tomorrow night vs. BYU. Can you imagine BYU's 60-70% fg against SDSU's 35-40% - somehow this just can't happen.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Air Force is like poor mans Gonzaga - I've never seen a team take such care evertime they get the ball. If it wasn't there, they'd reset and run again, it was really kind of cool to see some well coached players minimizing mistakes and just plain executing on everything but their fg%. Good showing Air Force and better luck next year. Last year was a fluke for you guys and this year was so-so. We really would like you guys to do well - US AIR FORCE! PS- Anyone ever been stationed at Nellis AFB? my brother wants to transfer and wanted to know how it is?<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
UTAH v. UNM<o:p></o:p>
Utah's HC job is on the line - no doubt about it. This win was huge for the entire coaching staff and he wasn't afraid the tell the AD that he's doing a great job....kind of funny to hear that just after their big defeat of the Lobos<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
The Lobo fans were strong and loud tonight! I was impressed with all of the UNM fans - probably 2-3 x's as many lobo fans as Utah fans. New Mexico looked really good in all facets of the game BUT 1 GLARING AREA - rebounds, they simply were not aggressive enough. Sorry to see the Lobos go home, but they played a great game.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
50 Nevill - aka 'the damn ENT' was in full force tonight. Personally, I hate how inconsistent he is, but it is possible this is his strength also as he gets a team off-balance when he really gets into a rhythm. You just can't defend him 100% of the time nor can you score on him when needed. He can single handedly change a game on both sides of the court - damnENT!<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
UNLV v. TCU<o:p></o:p>
Okay BYU fan, try beating a team with the following stats:
FG: 55%
3PT FG: 74%
FT: 89.5%
TCU had +/-9 more rebounds
<o:p> </o:p>
Well UNLV beat those stats tonight from the most amazing 3 pt performance in Horned Frog tourney history. TCU brought all of it – it was sick watching them go 17-23 from the-3-pond. Dude there was not a lily pad on the court that wasn’t working for this team – it was sick! Many of the shots were crushing blows to UNLV with 1-2 seconds left on the shot clock.
UNLV as always, found a way to outscore the team and win the game. Scary enough, they didn’t play that great of a game defensively, yet, they were able to fight back and fight back to beat a really HOT team. GREAT DOWN TO THE WIRE GAME!
Wink Adams was amazing – if any of you want to buy his video game, it will be out next fall. No doubt about it, UNLV will be in the top 2 next season with this kid most likely the MWC player of the year. I have never seen someone finish ridiculous shot after ridiculous shot like this guy does. He was huge with 7 secs left in the game – nails a jumper with 3 Horny Toads in his face and gets fouled (5 shots tonight went in after the foul for this kid). Walks up to the line with 3 seconds left in the game and nails a free throw for the win. GAME OVER! UNLV beats a SIZZLING TCU squad!
JUST A QUICK FYI: TCU’s mascot looks like a folic symbol with some bad STD. I mean it is a ‘horny frog’, but I think the school might take it a little too literally with their mascot – those Texas Christians must have an interesting spin on morality or something? I couldn’t eat a hot dog all day after seeing that thing – YIKES!

[Vegas_Bronco]

http://slog.cstv.com/shesonfire/hornedfrogmascot.JPG

TCU HORNED FROG! ....wow! just wow! Might be the worst mascot in the whole NCAA

[Vegas_Bronco]

http://gallery.pethobbyist.com/data/10109DSC00114.JPG

"It's a damn shame! How could you represent us like that?"

[BroncosMT]

Should be a good game with BYU and SDSU as they split the home and home this year. Utah could give UNLV some trouble but both games should be very entertaining.

Prediction: BYU by 8 points
UNLV by 4 points

[MileHighMagic]

I'm so depressed. Nobody to help Giddens last night.

[Kaylore]

Should be a good game with BYU and SDSU as they split the home and home this year. Utah could give UNLV some trouble but both games should be very entertaining.

Prediction: BYU by 8 points
UNLV by 4 points

I think the conference championship game is going to be fun to watch...whoever BYU ends up playing. ;D

[missingnumber7]

Vegas...with everything Miles walked into at CSU, I think he's more than happy with what he's done this year. Watch out for CSU. Miles is a great coach and an excellent recruiter. He convinced some great kids to come to NDSU for 1 shot at a post season title during transition...4 of them...and they are poised to have a good year next year...but then he leaves to take the CSU job, can't blame him. But from my experience with the guy, and I worked with NDSU mens bball, taken 2 classes from him. He's A1 Top notch 1st class coach, man and hoops fan.

[nickademus]

wow so much for my bold prediction out in the first round. that is gonna hurt the lobos chances of getting to the dance.

[BroncosMT]

Well I was pretty close on the first prediction. I said BYU by 8 and they won by 9. GO COUGS!!!!!! I hope UNLV wins but whoever wins the championship will be a good one. Great Tourney so far!!!!

BYU!!! BYU!!! BYU!!!! Do the wave with me Kaylore!!! LOL

[MileHighMagic]

wow so much for my bold prediction out in the first round. that is gonna CRUSH the lobos chances of getting to the dance.

Fixed it for ya. :tearhair:

[Rocket 7]

Fixed it for ya. :tearhair:

Pretty much. I take my crow with A-1 BTW

[BroncosMT]

Pretty much. I take my crow with A-1 BTW

NM's showing is a big surprise with how well they were ending the season. They were playing hard and beating some good teams. They could have beat BYU at home in OT but played hard. I thought they would have been playing tonight!

Maybe next year.....hopefully you won't have to eat crow....but then again I am BYU fan so....forget the A-1!!! LOL

GO COUGS!!!

[Kaylore]

Well I was pretty close on the first prediction. I said BYU by 8 and they won by 9. GO COUGS!!!!!! I hope UNLV wins but whoever wins the championship will be a good one. Great Tourney so far!!!!

BYU!!! BYU!!! BYU!!!! Do the wave with me Kaylore!!! LOL

<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/inA-36YRV0Y&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/inA-36YRV0Y&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>

:yayaya: :yayaya: :yayaya: :yayaya: :yayaya:

[Obushma]

...and in other news. The waiters & waitresses along the vegas strip realized rent might be hard to come by this month after the BYU victory.

One waiter was reported as saying "I was told how cheep BYU fans are, but I was astonished when a family of nine came into here with a six pack of shasta and asked me if I could bring them glasses."

Following their dinner, a problem occured when tip time came. "I realized they had only tipped me 8 percent and at the bottom of the check was written If the lord recieves 10 percent, what makes you think you deserve 15?"

[Kaylore]

...and in other news. The waiters & waitresses along the vegas strip realized rent might be hard to come by this month after the BYU victory.

One waiter was reported as saying "I was told how cheep BYU fans are, but I was astonished when a family of nine came into here with a six pack of shasta and asked me if I could bring them glasses."

Following their dinner, a problem occured when tip time came. "I realized they had only tipped me 8 percent and at the bottom of the check was written If the lord recieves 10 percent, what makes you think you deserve 15?"

And back in the real world, here's some real news:

Utards: 55 UNLV: 61 (http://scores.espn.go.com/ncb/boxscore?gameId=280742439)

[Vegas_Bronco]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=BJRLEJhNdec&feature=related

http://youtube.com/watch?v=eH04DbcIFQY

http://youtube.com/watch?v=194rt1CTMjc&feature=related</EMBED></OBJECT>

http://youtube.com/watch?v=ELRC6i-aQ78&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_TKo1Uire0&feature=related

[Vegas_Bronco]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mILwQctYLw

[Vegas_Bronco]

I think it is safe to say:

Regardless of the MWC Championship result, both BYU and UNLV will be dancing, but most likely not lower than a 10 seed. PULEEEEZE, if you guys win 2, I know we will win 2! Just represent the conference better this year and help it get some more respect.

TCU was a much better team than the Utes tonight. That was just about as scary as could be...those guys were 17-23 from 3 pt land and made 90% from the stripe and shot 64% from the floor...BUT THE REBELS FOUND A WAY TO BEAT THEM!

Just some observations on Utah:

Nevell is the worst bumbling emotional tide of a rebounding 7-footer I've ever seen.

Rene for UNLV missed shot after shot and then came on strong with his rebounding and strong defense - played awesome! Without his effort rebels may have lost tonight

I will admit that the referees were the biggest fools I think I have ever seen in a college game. It looked like UNLV got some homer calls on out of bounds plays, but then Nevil was over the-back 4-5 times on Rene and no one called it. I was screaming for the refs to wake up! It was a poor, poor, poor performance and really made the tourney look bad. Thus far there are 4 referees that I think should never touch a MWC game again - bad stuff.

UNLV has been practicing at our local High School - the conference has hidden everthing UNLV throughout the Thomas and Mack so it looks nuetered....errrr, I mean nuetral...enter the fans and it becomes a crazed roar! But I don't see the tourney moving out of Vegas for a long, long time. Who is going to travel to Laramie, Salt Lake, Provo or Fort Collins....ARE YOU KIDDING ME. Even when Denver hosted, nobody attended - really dumb idea! I think we get the tourney here in Vegas until 2010!!! So get accustomed to the coug whining and rebel winning!

If you think it is leaving LV, get with it. We have 2-3 developers right now working to get a 13-18,000 seat stadium built and you know that'll qualify as a 'nuetral environment' for the MWC Conf Admin. IT is going to be here for a while!!!

The scariest fact about UNLV is they only lose 2 players after this year and get 2 centers and got a verbal from a 3 star recruit in LA. + We have Lon Kruger, one of the best coaches in the NCAA = The winning will continue!!!

[Kaylore]

I think it is safe to say:

Regardless of the MWC Championship result, both BYU and UNLV will be dancing. PULEEEEZE, if you guys win 2, I know we will win 2! Just represent the conference better this year and help it get some more respect.

GO REBELS!

BYU is obviously in regardless of the outcome of the game. If UNLV doesn't get if they lose I would be surprised, but not completely shocked. They don't like us MWC folks.

But yes - Regardless of how this plays out, we need to represent at the next level!

[24champ]

!Booya!


<a href="http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=3671895">Summary of 1990 season</a><br><embed src="http://lads.myspace.com/videos/vplayer.swf" flashvars="m=3671895&v=2&type=video" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="430" height="346"></embed>

<a href="http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=3671581">Rebel Attitude</a><br><embed src="http://lads.myspace.com/videos/vplayer.swf" flashvars="m=3671581&v=2&type=video" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="430" height="346"></embed>



FU BYU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[24champ]

BYU is obviously in regardless of the outcome of the game. If UNLV doesn't get if they lose I would be surprised, but not completely shocked. They don't like us MWC folks.

But yes - Regardless of how this plays out, we need to represent at the next level!

Actually both teams are in, UNM is the one that is out. According to Bracketology on ESPN, it has BYU 6th seed and UNLV at 10th seed.


Either way UNLV will win tomorrow. Blow em out.;D

[Vegas_Bronco]

BEST ONE EVER

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iI_6TK7cKs

[BroncosMT]

I am pretty sure both teams will be in but seeding will depend on who wins. BYU will obviously drop in seeding but I think will still be higher than UNLV based on national rank. But hopefully won't lose to UNLV but that's why they play the game. I'm sure it will be a great game as they both blew each other out on home courts by more than 20 points.

Good Luck to UNLV tonight!!! GO COUGS!!!! POUND THOSE UNLV WUSSIES!!!!!!

BYU!!!! BYU!!! BYU!!!

[24champ]

http://media.lasvegassun.com/media/img/photos/2008/03/14/scaled.0315_spt_AMAZING01_t429.jpg?c3ad3caf4ca1c69 2ac48ff2084a542e308ea5e6a

All the way!!!!

[Rocket 7]

http://media.lasvegassun.com/media/img/photos/2008/03/14/scaled.0315_spt_AMAZING01_t429.jpg?c3ad3caf4ca1c69 2ac48ff2084a542e308ea5e6a

All the way!!!!

Curtis Terrry's hairdo is also pointing # 1. Alfalfa style

[BroncosMT]

Congrats to the Runnin' Rebels for a great tourney! BYU just couldn't keep up in the end. Here's to hoping the MWC represents well!!!!

[sgbfan]

Congrats to the Runnin' Rebels for a great tourney! BYU just couldn't keep up in the end. Here's to hoping the MWC represents well!!!!

Homecourt prevails again. If UNLV gets a better seed than BYU it will be BS. They deserve a 6 even with this loss. UNLV will probably get a 7 again. BYU would have been a 5 with a win. Homecourt in a conference tournament is just wrong, especially back to back years without giving other teams the same priveledge.

[Kaylore]

Homecourt wins, but they really played hard and pulled away when they needed to. Congrats to UNLV. They were the better team...tonight.

[Vegas_Bronco]

http://www.orangemane.com/BB/attachment.php?attachmentid=21216&d=1205650688 http://www.orangemane.com/BB/attachment.php?attachmentid=21217&d=1205650696
MWC CHAMPS!!!! Homecourt prevails again. If UNLV gets a better seed than BYU it will be BS. They deserve a 6 even with this loss. UNLV will probably get a 7 again. BYU would have been a 5 with a win. Homecourt in a conference tournament is just wrong, especially back to back years without giving other teams the same priveledge.

No need to say it, but UNLV will do much better in the tourney than BYU so quit worrying about what seed you might get - just win baby, just win! Homecourt in a conference tournament, winning by 15 over a #23 seed means you're just a better team. If your boys would have hit their shots they might have a chance, so quit being a sore loser. The rebels are a good team and you need to admit that tonight they rolled the cougs up! Cougars came out really hot, but we had the better defense, more active rebounding, and hit our shots when it counted. It's hard to win when you shoot horribly in the 2nd half of the game. UNLV is the better team when they match up head to head, no doubt about it! Congrats to both teams on a great season and LET'S DO WELL IN THE TOURNEY!!!

My guess is BYU gets a 6-7 seed and UNLV gets a 8-9 - BUT UNLV IS THE BETTER TEAM (better defense, more explosive offense, faster speed). I hope we both do well in the tourney! I be cheering HARD for those COUGARS!!!

[Rocket 7]

No need to say it, but UNLV will do much better in the tourney than BYU so quit worrying about what seed you might get - just win baby, just win! Homecourt in a conference tournament, winning by 15 over a #23 seed means you're just a better team. If your boys would have hit their shots they might have a chance, so quit being a sore loser. The rebels are a good team and you need to admit that tonight they rolled the cougs up! Cougars came out really hot, but we had the better defense, more active rebounding, and hit our shots when it counted. It's hard to win when you shoot horribly in the 2nd half of the game. UNLV is the better team when they match up head to head, no doubt about it! Congrats to both teams on a great season and LET'S DO WELL IN THE TOURNEY!!!

My guess is BYU gets a 6-7 seed and UNLV gets a 8-9 - BUT UNLV IS THE BETTER TEAM (better defense, more explosive offense, faster speed). I hope we both do well in the tourney!

I'll be rooting for both for both UNLV and BYU in the big dance. I want to see the MWC do well.

[Rocket 7]

Congrats to the Lady Lobos on winning the womans tournament

[sgbfan]

http://www.orangemane.com/BB/attachment.php?attachmentid=21216&d=1205650688 http://www.orangemane.com/BB/attachment.php?attachmentid=21217&d=1205650696
MWC CHAMPS!!!!

No need to say it, but UNLV will do much better in the tourney than BYU so quit worrying about what seed you might get - just win baby, just win! Homecourt in a conference tournament, winning by 15 over a #23 seed means you're just a better team. If your boys would have hit their shots they might have a chance, so quit being a sore loser. The rebels are a good team and you need to admit that tonight they rolled the cougs up! Cougars came out really hot, but we had the better defense, more active rebounding, and hit our shots when it counted. It's hard to win when you shoot horribly in the 2nd half of the game. UNLV is the better team when they match up head to head, no doubt about it! Congrats to both teams on a great season and LET'S DO WELL IN THE TOURNEY!!!

My guess is BYU gets a 6-7 seed and UNLV gets a 8-9 - BUT UNLV IS THE BETTER TEAM (better defense, more explosive offense, faster speed). I hope we both do well in the tourney! I be cheering HARD for those COUGARS!!!

Until they actually play on a neutral court, you can't actually truly believe that UNLV is actually better. The game was much closer than 15 points. BYUs resume shows that they are a better team. UNLV and BYU have the 2 biggest homecourt advantages in the conference, and UNLV just won another home game.

[24champ]

Until they actually play on a neutral court, you can't actually truly believe that UNLV is actually better. The game was much closer than 15 points. BYUs resume shows that they are a better team. UNLV and BYU have the 2 biggest homecourt advantages in the conference, and UNLV just won another home game.

BYU had an easier strength of schedule than UNLV.


At any rate, you BYU fans are starting to sound like Rick Majerus. Just sour grapes from losing to a team that wanted to win more than your team.I watched the game last night, and I think it was Tim Neverett that said that UNLV is not a 25 win team. He said that when BYU was about to blow out UNLV in the first half. The Fact that BYU couldn't keep the Rebels from coming back just shows that UNLV is a team of heart and dedication. You are talking about maybe one of the most underrated teams in the west, if not in the country. UNLV was a team that was picked to win 4th and 5th place in the MWC in the preseason polls. Couple that with the numerous off the court issues and 3 players getting kicked off the team.

You can make excuses on the fact that BYU lost because UNLV had "homecourt" but in pure and simple they got outplayed by a team that wanted it more than the players on BYU. That was all it came down to. UNLV had a well deserved win for a team completely undersized. Congrats to the Rebs!


http://grfx.cstv.com/schools/unlv/graphics/08-unlv-champ-banner-NEW.jpg

[24champ]

UNLV got in as the eighth seed and will play Kent St. Then assuming if UNLV wins that game, then they play Kansas...which I don't see us having a chance in hell of beating. Respectable seeding, but tough bracket.

Looks like UNM won't get in, BYU hasn't been called yet either.

[24champ]

BYU is 8th seed also, will play Texas A&M in Anaheim. That is a good location for BYU.

[BroncosMT]

Good Location but then they get UCLA after.....that is not so good although I think UCLA is much more beatable than Kansas right now.

[Rulon Velvet Jones]

While I'm proud of my alma mater, UTA, making it in the tournament for the first time ever - I'm worried about the asskicking Memphis is about to hand them.

[Vegas_Bronco]

Wow, I think BYU And UNLV both drew the worst 2nd game matchup possible - UCLA defense will smother the Cougs. BYU will be one and done...I don't think they'll score more than 45 on the Bruins. It will be a nasty blow out!

Kansas in the second round is a slap in the face for our MWC tournament champion! No way we (UNLV) get past Kansas...I seen the Hawks in the finals against the Bruins or Longhorns. I wish UNLV had BYU's current spot as I think their chances of beating UCLA are much better. That said, I think BYU's bracket is the toughest with a first game matchup agains A&M and then you have: Xavier, UCLA, DUKE, HOT GEORGIA, WVU, ARIZONA (always shows up for the tourney), and UCONN - WOW! The WEST bracket champion, no doubt, will be a contender for the National Championship vs. Kansas or UNC.


In all truth, I think if BYU would have beat the Rebels, they may have ended up in the lower bracket at #6 playing where Purdue is currently seeded. I can't believe the following teams were seeded higher than UNLV and BYU:

Gonzaga - give me a break at #7 in the Midwest - this team couldn't beat any of the #9 seeds

Butler - just pure BS at #7 in the East

Purdue - a decent team but no where near a #6 seed (West Bracket)

Marquette - #6 is a joke!!! This team would have a hard time against seeds #7-10 in their bracket.

BYU and UNLV are much better teams than all four of these teams!!!

Would have been interesting if BYU lost to the Lobos and they went to the championship game vs. UNLV - I wonder if all three would have been given an invite!?! Next year we will have 3 in again - no sweat. UNLV, BYU, SDST, & UNM will be all really good teams.

GO COUGARS AND REBELS!!!

[24champ]

GO COUGARS AND REBELS!!!

Sorry man I can't root for the Cougars after how their classless fans have reacted to the loss last night. Crying and whining about how UNLV has home court and then sticking around to fight with UNLV fans that were in a celebratory mood.

Lee Cummard and his wife are friggin' idiots. I hope they get blown out from the dance.

You know what though VegasBronco, I would rather go through the best than have it easy. Leave the crying to BYU fans, they have that down pat lately. Kent State is the first one up, we match up well with them and we have a great coach. I like our chances against Kent State.

[Vegas_Bronco]

Sorry man I can't root for the Cougars after how their classless fans have reacted to the loss last night.

No doubt, they do whine like no one else, but it makes a victory against them even sweeter! I usually vote for the Cougs b/c I am LDS, but when they play my REBELS - its time to KILL BLUE!

You've got to love the BYU Athletic Dept. position right now - they think they are above every other team in the MWC. Their mentality is that they can run with anyone in the country and then they are given their shot and never come through! Their whole Ath.Dept. would like nothing more than to win at everything so they can quickly discard the MWC as soon as a PAC-10 or other invitee comes calling. I hear their fans talk of high hopes all the time.

....I'm SOOOOO glad the REBELS can help them put perspective on things!

I wore my Red UNLV tie to church today...it was great! My wife asked me if I was going to worship Christ or to display my tie? :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Kent State is the first one up, we match up well with them and we have a great coach. I like our chances against Kent State.

No doubt! Rebels are a much better team than BYU and we will show it in the TOURNEY! ESPiN thinks Kent State has a chance to win this game...I love their constant belittlement - just get's our guys fired up!

[24champ]

No doubt! Rebels are a much better team than BYU and we will show it in the TOURNEY! ESPiN thinks Kent State has a chance to win this game...I love their constant belittlement - just get's our guys fired up!

Do NOT listen to Jay Bilas. He is EXTREMELY biased against UNLV, and I know why he is. Because he was an assistant with coach K when their team got handed in the 'ship the worst beatdown in NCAA history. ****ing embarrassed that whole program with Duke. Digger Phelps is a toolbox as well.

Just a side note. Jay Bilas being the biggest turd he is, thinks that every number 1 seed will reach the final 4. I disagree, we will be in for a lot of upsets...

But really... who cares what THEY say. We were picked to finish 4th or 5th this year in the MWC because we are in a "rebuilding" year. Proved them wrong big time. I love the will and dedication of this team. Got no quit in them.


I am glad we may face Kansas if we pull it out against Kent State. Kruger and UNLV will get prime time exposure for that game. That's what this tourney is all about, exposure and letting people know your one of the top teams in the country. That being said, I don't think Kent State is a pushover, so Kruger has his work cut out out for him.

[ColoradoBuff]

Wow, I think BYU And UNLV both drew the worst 2nd game matchup possible - UCLA defense will smother the Cougs. BYU will be one and done...I don't think they'll score more than 45 on the Bruins. It will be a nasty blow out!

Kansas in the second round is a slap in the face for our MWC tournament champion! No way we (UNLV) get past Kansas...I seen the Hawks in the finals against the Bruins or Longhorns. I wish UNLV had BYU's current spot as I think their chances of beating UCLA are much better. That said, I think BYU's bracket is the toughest with a first game matchup agains A&M and then you have: Xavier, UCLA, DUKE, HOT GEORGIA, WVU, ARIZONA (always shows up for the tourney), and UCONN - WOW! The WEST bracket champion, no doubt, will be a contender for the National Championship vs. Kansas or UNC.


In all truth, I think if BYU would have beat the Rebels, they may have ended up in the lower bracket at #6 playing where Purdue is currently seeded. I can't believe the following teams were seeded higher than UNLV and BYU:

Gonzaga - give me a break at #7 in the Midwest - this team couldn't beat any of the #9 seeds

Butler - just pure BS at #7 in the East Butler is a good team. Where have you been all year?
Purdue - a decent team but no where near a #6 seed (West Bracket)You seriously think BYU and UNLV would beat Purdue? LOL

Marquette - #6 is a joke!!! This team would have a hard time against seeds #7-10 in their bracket. Marquette would destroy BYU or UNLV. Get your Mountain West sunglasses off!
BYU and UNLV are much better teams than all four of these teams!!! [/B]:spit: I thought you were serious there for a secondROFL!
Would have been interesting if BYU lost to the Lobos and they went to the championship game vs. UNLV - I wonder if all three would have been given an invite!?! Next year we will have 3 in again - no sweat. UNLV, BYU, SDST, & UNM will be all really good teams.

[B]GO COUGARS AND REBELS!!!

Come home soon when you are one and done;)

[24champ]

At the end of a physical basketball game Saturday, players from Brigham Young and UNLV stopped butting heads and shook hands. Moments later, the physical contact resumed as fans began brawling.

"I didn't see any confrontations," Rebels coach Lon Kruger said.

But Kruger has heard all about what happened after UNLV's 76-61 victory over the Cougars in the Mountain West Conference Tournament championship, and some details are ugly.

Hundreds of Rebels fans attempted to rush the Thomas & Mack Center court after the final buzzer. They met with resistance from arena security as rival fans traded punches and mayhem ensued.


BYU fans are blaming UNLV fans, and vice versa. Some fingers also are being pointed at conference officials who instructed Thomas & Mack director Daren Libonati to tighten security and keep fans in the stands.

The fans eventually struggled past security guards and celebrated on the court with Rebels players.

"It was my call to say, 'Let them go. This is crazy,' " Libonati said. "We did make an attempt to hold them back. We felt like we fulfilled what was asked of us."

But fearing that people would be trampled -- and while watching his ushers get overwhelmed by the mob -- Libonati said he felt it was best to allow fans on the floor.

"They don't understand why you are stopping them from getting on the floor, so you are creating a confrontation," Libonati said. "It put everyone in harm's way."

Kruger said he was mystified by the Mountain West's decision to ban fans from the floor.

"Obviously, the ushers were instructed to keep people off the floor. That doesn't make any sense at all," Kruger said. "It's one of the craziest decisions I've ever heard, given how other conferences allow their fans to celebrate. It's just a normal thing to do.

"I don't know why we thought we could do something different. I think it was the reason there were injuries and the reason there were problems. There's a better way to do it. Fans will follow an organized opportunity to be out there.

"If BYU would have won, I would have wanted for their fans to be able to get on the court and celebrate."

UNLV athletic director Mike Hamrick said BYU athletic director Tom Holmoe was upset last March when Rebels fans rushed the Thomas & Mack court after beating the Cougars in the tournament final.

"Tom said he felt that fans coming on the floor, and the way he felt his players were treated last year, was unsportsmanlike," Hamrick said. "He told me that, and he told the conference. I think the conference tried to deal with that."

MWC commissioner Craig Thompson, who was on the court after the game, did not comment. The league office issued a statement saying its "membership supported efforts to limit fans from rushing the court. ... The MWC will continue to evaluate the overall game management plan for the basketball tournament."

After the Cougars defeated UCLA in the Las Vegas Bowl in December, Libonati said "3,000 BYU fans stormed the football field" at Sam Boyd Stadium. He said fans broke golf carts, busted trailers and stole yard markers.

"It's all part of the excitement," Libonati said. "We didn't say, 'Shame on you, BYU fans.' "

According to a Salt Lake Tribune story, at least one BYU fan's face was bloodied after Saturday's game, and the wife of Cougars junior forward Lee Cummard was seen grabbing the shirts of two UNLV fans trying to run onto the floor.

The story reported several witnesses said they saw Sarah Cummard throw punches.

Next year, when the rivalry promises to get more heated, Rebels senior point guard Curtis Terry won't be around to see it. But he did see Sarah Cummard after Saturday's game.

"Cummard's wife pointed me out and said a couple choice words to me that aren't necessary," Terry said. "Things happen, and Lee is a good guy. People were just heated in the emotion of winning and losing."

http://www.lvrj.com/sports/16776286.html

[sgbfan]

At the end of a physical basketball game Saturday, players from Brigham Young and UNLV stopped butting heads and shook hands. Moments later, the physical contact resumed as fans began brawling.

"I didn't see any confrontations," Rebels coach Lon Kruger said.

But Kruger has heard all about what happened after UNLV's 76-61 victory over the Cougars in the Mountain West Conference Tournament championship, and some details are ugly.

Hundreds of Rebels fans attempted to rush the Thomas & Mack Center court after the final buzzer. They met with resistance from arena security as rival fans traded punches and mayhem ensued.


BYU fans are blaming UNLV fans, and vice versa. Some fingers also are being pointed at conference officials who instructed Thomas & Mack director Daren Libonati to tighten security and keep fans in the stands.

The fans eventually struggled past security guards and celebrated on the court with Rebels players.

"It was my call to say, 'Let them go. This is crazy,' " Libonati said. "We did make an attempt to hold them back. We felt like we fulfilled what was asked of us."

But fearing that people would be trampled -- and while watching his ushers get overwhelmed by the mob -- Libonati said he felt it was best to allow fans on the floor.

"They don't understand why you are stopping them from getting on the floor, so you are creating a confrontation," Libonati said. "It put everyone in harm's way."

Kruger said he was mystified by the Mountain West's decision to ban fans from the floor.

"Obviously, the ushers were instructed to keep people off the floor. That doesn't make any sense at all," Kruger said. "It's one of the craziest decisions I've ever heard, given how other conferences allow their fans to celebrate. It's just a normal thing to do.

"I don't know why we thought we could do something different. I think it was the reason there were injuries and the reason there were problems. There's a better way to do it. Fans will follow an organized opportunity to be out there.

"If BYU would have won, I would have wanted for their fans to be able to get on the court and celebrate."

UNLV athletic director Mike Hamrick said BYU athletic director Tom Holmoe was upset last March when Rebels fans rushed the Thomas & Mack court after beating the Cougars in the tournament final.

"Tom said he felt that fans coming on the floor, and the way he felt his players were treated last year, was unsportsmanlike," Hamrick said. "He told me that, and he told the conference. I think the conference tried to deal with that."

MWC commissioner Craig Thompson, who was on the court after the game, did not comment. The league office issued a statement saying its "membership supported efforts to limit fans from rushing the court. ... The MWC will continue to evaluate the overall game management plan for the basketball tournament."

After the Cougars defeated UCLA in the Las Vegas Bowl in December, Libonati said "3,000 BYU fans stormed the football field" at Sam Boyd Stadium. He said fans broke golf carts, busted trailers and stole yard markers.

"It's all part of the excitement," Libonati said. "We didn't say, 'Shame on you, BYU fans.' "

According to a Salt Lake Tribune story, at least one BYU fan's face was bloodied after Saturday's game, and the wife of Cougars junior forward Lee Cummard was seen grabbing the shirts of two UNLV fans trying to run onto the floor.

The story reported several witnesses said they saw Sarah Cummard throw punches.

Next year, when the rivalry promises to get more heated, Rebels senior point guard Curtis Terry won't be around to see it. But he did see Sarah Cummard after Saturday's game.

"Cummard's wife pointed me out and said a couple choice words to me that aren't necessary," Terry said. "Things happen, and Lee is a good guy. People were just heated in the emotion of winning and losing."

http://www.lvrj.com/sports/16776286.html

Solution NUETRAL COURT. . . ! ! !

[BroncosMT]

I think emotions tend to run high on such a stage as the conference championship. Families and relatives cheer hard for their members and fans are just that...Fans...being short for Fanatics! It's ok...it happens. I am surprised that they wouldn't let them storm the court as that is the natural thing to do. Like I stated before it was a great game. UNLV deservd to win. It's over and now both teams have bigger fish to fry! I think sometimes in the heat of emotion we lose perspective as Lee's wife displayed. Terry handled it pretty well which gave me a whole new respect for him. It's an unfortunate situation but it happens everywhere. Doesn't mean the BYU fans or UNLV fans are poor sports. Just proves their passion as FANS!

Good Luck to the REBELS and COUGS in the tourney! Represent the MWC well!