Out of the Mountain West, we've looked at the Lobos of New Mexico but I think the best team out of this conference is the BYU Cougars. The RPI is 21 and the SOS is a paltry 121 but do the Cougars have what it takes to make a run in March?
They have not beaten anyone worth a lick out of conference with two wins over the Arizona schools meaning little this year. The 3 losses they do have are all on the road against Top 50 RPI schools (At Utah State, UNLV & New Mexico).
What does BYU do well? In a nutshell, other than blocked shots - everything. They're 4th in the nation in scoring (Mormons are crazy good scorers), 2nd in shooting % and 3rd in 3-pt % while making 8 per game (23rd). Hell, they're the #1 FT shooting team and they share the ball (12th).
Can they play d? While being 63rd in points allowed, they rank 33rd in FG% d and AdjD has them rated 19th. They can board (22nd) and they can turn the other team over (36th) while protecting the ball (41st).
And if you're looking for this year's Stephen Curry, let me introduce you to Jimmer Fredette, a 6' 2" junior point guard from Glen Falls, NY. He shoots 47% overall and 49% from downtown while averaging 21.5 ppg. And he manages 5 dimes a game and steal plus a game.
BYU's recent history in the dance is far from good but take a look at them and the matchups they get, they just might make a nice run this year.
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