UNLV Vs. Colorado State: Rams Host Rebels In Crucial Match Up

The Colorado State Rams are considered by most to be on the outside looking in at the projected NCAA Tournament field, but that could change with a victory over the UNLV Runnin' Rebels, in a game that may be considered make-or-break for the Rams' 2011-2012 season. Colorado State put themselves in the Tournament discussion with a convincing victory over the New Mexico Lobos on Feb. 21, but after losing to the San Diego State Aztecs on Saturday, Wednesday night's match up with UNLV may be Colorado State's last chance to impress the NCAA Tournament committee.

The Rams were blown out by 19 points when they last faced the Rebels on Feb. 1, but that was in Vegas, and things figure to be a bit different with Colorado State hosting. The Rams are undefeated at home this year, and if they defeat the Rebels, it would be bundled with home victories over San Diego State and New Mexico to give Colorado State wins over the Mountain West's Big Three.

The good news for the Rams is that UNLV has stumbled a bit as of late, going 3-3 over their last six games, which includes road losses to the Wyoming Cowboys, TCU Horned Frogs and New Mexico. But the two-headed monster of Anthony Marshall and Mike Moser— both of whom are tied for fifth in the conference in points per game— still poses a major test for the Rams, who will need a big game from their own star Wes Eikmeier.

Game date/time: Wednesday, February 29, 2012, 8:00 p.m. MT

Location: Moby Arena, Fort Collins, Colo.

TV: CBS Sports Network

Odds: UNLV by 3.5

For more on this game stick with SB Nation Denver, and for news and notes around the conference, head over to Mountain West Connection.