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The Colorado St. Rams (16-9, 5-5 MWC) will have a chance to pick up another signature win this season when they face the No. 18/21 New Mexico Lobos (22-4, 8-2 MWC) on Tuesday night. At the end of January, the Rams defeated the San Diego St. Aztecs, ranked just outside of the 10, but that win doesn't look as good right now with the Aztecs having lost its last three games (UNLV, New Mexico and Air Force).
The Rams haven't found much consistency since an eight-game winning streak came to an end against the Wyoming Cowboys on Jan. 21. They've gone just 3-5 since then but enter this contest having defeated Wyoming at home, splitting that season series. The Rams needed a 16-6 run down the final seven minutes of that game to pick up the 54-46 victory. Greg Smith's three-pointer -- the only one he made successfully -- at the seven-minute mark sparked that comeback.
New Mexico, meanwhile, enters this game on a seven-game winning streak and atop the Mountain West standings. This win streak began right after the Lobos dropped back-to-back games to San Diego State and UNLV, the two teams the Lobos beat last week to take a two-game lead over them. Drew Gordon scored 27 points and pulled down 20 boards in the 20-point victory over UNLV.
As we approach March Madness, New Mexico, UNLV and San Diego State have all done enough to put the Mountain West in position for three bids to the NCAA Tournament. The Rams are bubble team right now and would only strengthen their postseason resume with a victory the Lobos or its next two opponents (San Diego State, UNLV).
Game time/date: 8:00 p.m. MT, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2012
Location: Moby Arena, Fort Collins, CO
TV: The Mtn.
Game notes from Colorado State
For more Mountain West basketball, head over to Mountain West Connection. Check out SB Nation NCAA Basketball for more news and notes as we approach March Madness.