USU's BracketBuster game at Saint Mary's this weekend is the biggest road game of the season...imho. The WAC is down this year, statistically speaking, and this is USU's last chance to improve their computer rankings and improve their resume.

However, Stew doesn't view the loss to Boise as that big a deal, especially considering their current standing in the WAC:

"They were in second place, it was on their home court, so that's not exactly a shocker," Morrill said. "Utah State needs to win at Saint Mary's and at Nevada? Really? I just keep telling our kids let's just win the WAC, win it outright."

ESPN's Andy Katz agrees with Stew, that winning the WAC holds weight:

"Utah State (24-2, 12-1 WAC) should do that with a three-game lead in the conference with three to play (Hawaii, at Nevada, San Jose State). That would assure the Aggies of an NIT bid and possibly an at-large berth if they can't win the WAC tournament in Reno." Katz continued, "Morrill fully grasps how difficult it is to get a non-Big Six conference at-large berth. Beating Saint Mary's would likely help his cause."

While the Boise game was important, and losing at "Yo Quero" Arena was a set back (especially since Idaho beat Boise this week at BS-U), and the Feb. 28th match-up with Nevada will be important, I would argue that the Saint Mary's game this weekend holds more importance.

The St. Mary's game is on national television (3 p.m. MST ESPN2), it's one of the few teams USU plays with an RPI under 100 (currently 60), it's an opportunity to prepare USU for the post-season, and it's one of the last opportunities for USU to get respect for the season they've put together so far.

Only three teams on USU's schedule so far have an RPI under 100, Utah (11), BYU (35) and Boise State (78). St. Mary's coach Randy Bennett understands how it works: "This game won't affect the league standings, but it's an RPI opportunity, a chance for us to play a team that could give us a resume win," Bennett said. "I know it's easier said than done, but that's what it could do for us."

Picking up another quality, "resume" win, especially on the road, will go a long way in assuring at least an at-large invitation for USU at the NCAA tournament.