The Mountain West basketball season has begun and it hasn't started the way Boise State had hoped.  After an opening win at home against Fresno State, the Broncos have dropped two games in the last second in a row and now head to Nevada for a game tonight against the 4-0 Wolf Pack.

Nevada is the surprise team so far as one of just three unbeaten teams remaining in conference play.  The other two are perennial favorites San Diego State and New Mexico.  The Wolf Pack has received a jolt with the eligibility of six foot nine inch forward A.J. West who has come on to average 12.3 points and 9.3 rebounds in the four league wins.  He combined with pre-season all-conference player, Deonte Burton give Nevada two of the best players in the league.  Burton is averaging 22 points a game to lead the Mountain West.

The Broncos will have to contain Burton and worry about West's inside presence that has led to more than two blocks a game.

Of greater concern than the opposition is the Broncos themselves.
They have to play a little better.  They are being outshot by opponents 45 percent to 40 percent and 35 percent to 29 percent from three point range. The backcourt has not made shots.  Derrick Marks is shooting 34 percent and Jeff Elorriaga 24 percent.

Rebounding has been there.  They have outrebounded opponents by an average of nine a game.  Ryan Watkins has averaged a double-double.

In the end basketball is a simple game.  You have to take care of the basketball (BSU did not do that in the first half of the two losses).
Make shots and rebound. All things they'll need to do beat Nevada.
Outside of the three unbeatens, everyone else in the Mountain West has at least two losses.  After dropping a home game to Wyoming, this one in Reno is crucial.  Win it and you are back fighting for a spot in the top half.  Lose it and Nevada solidifies itself as a big time contender and Boise State will be digging out of a huge hole early.