DENVER -- Steve McClain is confident the Wyoming Cowboys will receive a long look from the National Invitation Tournament selection committee, regardless of the outcome of today's matchup with UNLV in the quarterfinals of the Mountain West Conference tournament.
"I think we've got a shot," UW's coach said Wednesday. "When you look at our league, every team that's ever been eligible has gotten in the NIT. Hell, San Diego State got one that one year they were 15-13.
"I'd say this, if New Mexico wins (the Mountain West tourney), we'll all get in."
The we, in this case, is UW, UNLV and Air Force. The NIT is considering all three teams along with the Lobos, who are at-large contenders for the NCAA tournament.
McClain thinks all three teams will be helped by the fact there are some sub-.500 squads ranked in the middle of the Ratings Percentage Index. A team must have a winning record to compete in the NIT.
"You start looking at the top 100 of the RPI, there are some teams that aren't eligible," McClain said.
Of course, the Cowboys could make all the NIT talk moot if they win the Mountain West tournament title and gain the league's automatic NCAA tournament berth on Saturday.
n MWC HANDLES UW PRIVATELY: McClain and UW point guard Jay Straight received a private reprimand from the Mountain West office for their comments regarding officiating after Saturday's loss at Air Force.
"I know Craig and Gary talked and that was it," McClain said of Mountain West commissioner Craig Thompson and UW athletics director Gary Barta.
n LEVEN OUT: Steve Leven will miss the entire Mountain West tourney for the Cowboys, even if they make it to the championship game, McClain said Wednesday. The sophomore forward's high ankle sprain hasn't improved and Leven hasn't practiced all week.
On the other side of the coin, Justin Williams will be available despite a heavily bandaged right wrist.
For UNLV, center Louis Amundson is expected to suit up despite a broken nose. Amundson likely will forgo the usual face mask.
n FREE THROWS: McClain said the Cowboys had some of their best practices of the year this week.
"I think we're going to be as prepared as we've been all year," he said. "I think they're excited."
As for keys to today's 2:30 matchup, McClain has repeatedly mentioned offensive rebounding and attacking the Rebels' big men. McClain also stressed that Williams needs to stay out of foul trouble. ...
A couple thousand New Mexico fans showed up to watch the Lobos women drop San Diego State in the opening game of the tourney on Wednesday. Most of the Lobos' fans ended up cheering for the Cowgirls. ...
Heard on the rumor mill: Salt Lake City is the leading candidate to receive the Mountain West tourney when the contract with Denver runs out after next season. The event moved from the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas to the Pepsi Center last year.
"I think we've got a shot," UW's coach said Wednesday. "When you look at our league, every team that's ever been eligible has gotten in the NIT. Hell, San Diego State got one that one year they were 15-13.
"I'd say this, if New Mexico wins (the Mountain West tourney), we'll all get in."
The we, in this case, is UW, UNLV and Air Force. The NIT is considering all three teams along with the Lobos, who are at-large contenders for the NCAA tournament.
McClain thinks all three teams will be helped by the fact there are some sub-.500 squads ranked in the middle of the Ratings Percentage Index. A team must have a winning record to compete in the NIT.
"You start looking at the top 100 of the RPI, there are some teams that aren't eligible," McClain said.
Of course, the Cowboys could make all the NIT talk moot if they win the Mountain West tournament title and gain the league's automatic NCAA tournament berth on Saturday.
n MWC HANDLES UW PRIVATELY: McClain and UW point guard Jay Straight received a private reprimand from the Mountain West office for their comments regarding officiating after Saturday's loss at Air Force.
"I know Craig and Gary talked and that was it," McClain said of Mountain West commissioner Craig Thompson and UW athletics director Gary Barta.
n LEVEN OUT: Steve Leven will miss the entire Mountain West tourney for the Cowboys, even if they make it to the championship game, McClain said Wednesday. The sophomore forward's high ankle sprain hasn't improved and Leven hasn't practiced all week.
On the other side of the coin, Justin Williams will be available despite a heavily bandaged right wrist.
For UNLV, center Louis Amundson is expected to suit up despite a broken nose. Amundson likely will forgo the usual face mask.
n FREE THROWS: McClain said the Cowboys had some of their best practices of the year this week.
"I think we're going to be as prepared as we've been all year," he said. "I think they're excited."
As for keys to today's 2:30 matchup, McClain has repeatedly mentioned offensive rebounding and attacking the Rebels' big men. McClain also stressed that Williams needs to stay out of foul trouble. ...
A couple thousand New Mexico fans showed up to watch the Lobos women drop San Diego State in the opening game of the tourney on Wednesday. Most of the Lobos' fans ended up cheering for the Cowgirls. ...
Heard on the rumor mill: Salt Lake City is the leading candidate to receive the Mountain West tourney when the contract with Denver runs out after next season. The event moved from the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas to the Pepsi Center last year.
