Utah State and Nevada Secure Spots in Semifinals
The Mountain West Basketball Tournament has reached an exciting stage as Utah State and Nevada both secured their places in the semifinals following decisive victories in the quarterfinals held at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, on March 12, 2026.
In the quarterfinal matchups, Utah State delivered a commanding performance against UNLV, winning 80-60. This victory marks Utah State’s eighth advancement to the semifinals in the last nine years, showcasing their consistent strength in the tournament. Mason Falslev was a standout player, scoring 24 points and contributing significantly to the team’s success. Utah State finished the game with an impressive shooting percentage of 50.9 percent from the field.
Nevada also had a thrilling quarterfinal game, narrowly defeating Grand Canyon 84-80. Corey Camper Jr. led the charge for Nevada with 27 points, demonstrating his scoring prowess. The game was notable for its intensity, with a total of 86 free throws taken, breaking the Mountain West tournament record. Nevada’s ability to score 50 points in the second half was pivotal in securing their victory.
This year’s tournament is particularly significant as it features 12 teams for the first time, following Grand Canyon’s addition to the conference. This expansion has added a new dynamic to the competition, which has historically been dominated by the top seeds. Since 2011, the top two seeds have claimed 12 of the 15 titles available, underscoring the competitive nature of the tournament.
Looking ahead, Utah State is set to face Nevada in the semifinals on March 13, 2026. Both teams will be eager to continue their momentum and secure a place in the championship game. The matchup promises to be a thrilling encounter, as both teams have demonstrated their capabilities throughout the tournament.
In reflecting on their performances, Nevada’s head coach Steve Alford remarked, “We scored 50 in the second half, and we did a good job of getting to the free-throw line, and we took advantage of it.” His comments highlight the strategic execution that has characterized Nevada’s play in the tournament.
Utah State’s success is further emphasized by the fact that it is the fourth consecutive season and the 11th time in program history that they have won at least 26 games. This achievement speaks to the program’s resilience and commitment to excellence in the Mountain West Championships.
As the tournament progresses, fans and analysts alike will be closely watching the semifinals, eager to see which team will emerge victorious and advance to the final showdown. The excitement surrounding the Mountain West Basketball Tournament continues to build, promising an exhilarating conclusion to the season.
