By Ryan Vermont:
The Mountain West Conference quarterfinals matchup between #8-seeded San Jose State and top ranked Colorado State brings back an ever-so reminiscent feeling of the 2015 tournament.
At least the Spartans will hope that’s the case. Two years ago, SJSU upset the Rams in the second round of the conference tournament, 64-55.
Only one of the two best players competing in today’s game had any impact on back then.
Just a sophomore that the time, this year’s Mountain West Player of the Year Rams’ Ellen Nystrom scored her career high at the time 20 points. At the same time, Spartans’ Dezz scored a tournament record 34 points leading her team to a demanding opening round win.
The battle of top players in the conference will play a large part in the outcome of this game, but it won’t be the only factor.
In both of the times these teams faced off this year, both Spartans losses, Ramos put up a combined 51 points to Nystrom’s 43.
SJSU’s supporting cast showed up yesterday, playing with an evident amount of passion and pride. With the same sort of play, that Spartans are capable of beating anyone in the conference.
Tip-off is scheduled for noon inside the Thomas & Mack Center with a spot in the semifinals up for grabs.