UNLV's early exit changes tourney dynamics

UNLV’s early exit changes the dynamics of the MWC Tournament. Now all the teams that are left feel like they have a chance to win at the Thomas & Mack Center where San Diego State has now won twice.
However, the question is, how motivated will the Utes be to win three games in three days? After all, they are almost certainly assured of an NCAA berth, regardless of what happens this week, based on their strong RPI, which has hovered between 9 and 12 for the past month.
Not that we want to wish a loss on the Utes, but it might be better for their NCAA chances next week, not to have to play three games in a row with a team that isn’t very deep. But the Utes might be playing with a chip on their shoulder after not getting an outright championship and because of coach Jim Boylen’s snub as coach of the year.
The Utes’ depth should be improved if Morgan Grim is able to play after sitting out for a month with a broken foot. Luka Drca is expected to play, but the Utes may use freshman point guard Jace Tavita a little more tonight and the rest of the week if they survive.