Conference hoops coaches expect tough sledding

While the Mountain West Conference is wrapping up its strongest season ever in football, the league is looking for a similar performance in men's basketball.

Both UNLV and Utah made big splashes on New Year's Eve, registering upsets against ranked teams. The Runnin' Rebels edged No. 18 Louisville, 56-55 on the road, while the Runnin' Utes tipped No. 16 Gonzaga, 66-65 at the Huntsman Center.

BYU has an opportunity for a landmark win Saturday, when it plays host to undefeated, No. 6 Wake Forest.

The league, with the exception of the Cougars, opens conference play Saturday.

BYU is seeking its third consecutive regular-season championship, while UNLV has won back-to-back conference tournament titles.

When the league's coaches convened in Las Vegas last October, they agreed that this season could be one of the best in the MWC's 10-year history.

"It's clearly the strongest in the five years I've been here, and I imagine it is in the 10 years the conference has existed," said UNLV coach Lon Kruger. "We've got experienced, veteran players, and that makes a difference."

"It's going to be a heckuva competitive league," said Utah coach Jim Boylen. "It's tougher than last year. You're going to see a lot of close, competitive games."

"From top to bottom, this league is as good as its ever been," said Wyoming coach Heath Schroyer. "There are no nights off in this league."

Here's an overview of the conference's nine teams:

Air Force

Record: 9-4

Best win: vs. Dartmouth, 63-41 (Sunday).

Worst losses: vs. Wofford, 74-61 (Nov. 23); at Stanford, 76-57 (Nov. 26); vs. Stony Brook, 67-64 (Wednesday).

Biggest weapon: Senior Andrew Henke is a versatile player who does a little bit of everything for the Falcons. The 6-foot-6 forward averages 13 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.5 assists. He is shooting nearly 50 percent from the floor and from 3-point range. Henke scored 23 points in back-to-back games against Northern Colorado and Texas-Pan American.

Biggest challenge: Air Force hangs its hat on its defense, but it will be tested in MWC play, which features several high-scoring teams. The Falcons are a young team, with seven freshmen on the roster, which could take a toll over the course of league play.

BYU

Record: 11-1

Best wins: vs. Utah State, 68-63 (Dec. 6); vs. Boise State, 94-56 (Dec. 10); at Tulsa, 74-68 (Tuesday).

Worst losses: None. (The Cougars' lone defeat came against Arizona State, 76-75.)