Colorado State and San Diego State - both coming off hard-fought wins - find out today that life is difficult at the bottom of the Western Athletic Conference food chain.
The Rams capitalized on their superior size to turn back Air Force 84-75 and San Diego State pulled off a mild upset by beating Fresno State 71-57 in Wednesday's first round of the WAC basketball tournament.But there's little time for celebration. Up next: top-seeded and nationally ranked Utah (24-5) for San Diego State (11-16) and second-seeded Brigham Young (22-8) for Colorado State (16-13).
Both games are part of today's quarterfinal schedule, which includes Hawaii (14-12) against Texas-El Paso (19-8) and New Mexico (14-14) against Wyoming (13-14).
The Aztecs need repeat performances by two key players against the Utes. In beating Fresno State, Leon Carter scored 13 of his 17 points in the second half and the Aztecs hit 12 straight free throws over the final five minutes.
After losing three straight to end the season, Colorado State got untracked against Air Force. The Rams had lost six of their previous seven games. Much of the credit for the first-round victory was attributed to improved shooting.
Point guard David Evans scored 21 points and reserve forward Delmonte Madison added 19. Joe Vogel, a 6-foot-11 center, added 17 points, while 6-8 Lorenzo Johnson scored 15.