AFA basketball: Three things to watch vs. New Mexico

MOUNTAIN WEST CONFERNCE TOURNAMENT QUARTERFINALS

1. WHAT DOES AIR FORCE HAVE LEFT?
During their victory over Wyoming in Wednesday’s Mountain West Conference Tournament play-in game, the Falcons seemed to play with more passion and energy than they have in recent weeks. Players fought for loose balls, took charges and defended with intensity. But that had to take a toll physically. And Air Force only will have had about 21 hours off before tip-off of Thursday’s game.

2. WILL NEW MEXICO BE RUSTY?
While Air Force will be less than a day removed from its last game, New Mexico hasn’t played since its March 3 regular season finale against TCU (the Lobos had a bye when the other eight MWC teams played last Saturday). The time off could have ruined the momentum of the Lobos, who have won 14 straight. Or it just allowed the nation's eighth-ranked team to get some much-needed rest.

3. PACE AND PERIMETER SHOOTING
The Falcons nearly knocked off New Mexico on Feb. 20 at The Pit. Air Force, which eventually fell 59-56, stayed close by slowing the game down to a crawl and limiting possessions. But the Falcons also were efficient, making 21-of-41 shots. The Lobos, meanwhile, seemed out of sync. They made just five 3-pointers (they averaged 8.1 during the  season) on 22.7 percent shooting (they hit 37.9 percent of their 3s for the season).

Quote to Note: “We know we can play with them now. As long as we control the game. We don’t want to go up and down with them. As long as we do that, we’ll have our chance." –Air Force freshman guard Todd Fletcher on what the three-point loss at The Pit taught the Falcons.

Note to 1uote: Air Force never has won a quarterfinal game in the MWC Tournament. The Falcons are 0-10 all-time.