MWC at a glance

Published: Saturday, Jan. 7 2006 12:00 a.m. MST

(ordered by current RPI ranking)

COLORADO STATE

Preseason pick: Eighth

RPI: 27

Preconference record: 11-2

Conference record: 0-1

Leading scorer: Center Jason Smith (16.1 ppg)

Top newcomer: Forward Michael Harrison (12.3 ppg)

Outlook: Smith could be league's top player. Can he guide Rams to title?

AIR FORCE

Preseason pick: Fourth

RPI: 68

Preconference record: 12-1

Conference record: 1-0

Leading scorer: Guard Antoine Hood (15.8 ppg)

Top newcomer: Guard Andrew Henke (3.4 ppg)

Outlook: Even without star Nick Welch, Falcons are flying high.

UTAH

Preseason pick: Second

RPI: 109

Preconference record: 7-4

Conference record: 1-0

Leading scorer: Forward Bryant Markson (15.2 ppg)

Top newcomer: Guard Johnnie Bryant (10.5 ppg)

Outlook: Defending champs searching for winning lineup combination.

BYU

Preseason pick: Ninth

RPI: 121

Preconference record: 8-3

Conference record: 0-1

Leading scorer: Center Trent Plaisted (12.9 ppg)

Top newcomer: Plaisted

Outlook: New players must acclimate to conference play quickly.

NEW MEXICO

Preseason pick: Fifth

RPI: 136

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