ByJared QuientSenior Staff Writer

Utah

Last season: 23-8 overall (11-3 Mountain West Conference)

Result vs. SDSU: Win, 63-38 at Utah; win, 53-44 at SDSU

Key returners: Lauren Beckman, Forward; Kristina Anderson, F

Key losses: No significant losses

Strengths: Utah returns 11 letterwinners from a team that won boththe MWC regular season and tournament championships. Look out.

Weaknesses: If they have any, it’s free-throw shooting. But asShaquille O’Neal can attest to, free throw shooting doesn’t winchampionships.

Quotable: “The kids have returned in good shape and everyone isanxious to get on the court.”

— Coach Elaine Elliott

Colorado State

Last season: 23-10 (9-5)

Result vs. SDSU: Loss, at CSU 58-51; loss at SDSU 68-58.

Key returners: Ashley Augspurger, F; Farah McDill, Center

Key losses: Roxanne Manning, Erin Erickson

Strengths: One of two sophomores named to the media preseasonAll-MWC team, Augspurger was a member of the All-MWC Newcomer team ayear ago. She led the team in rebounds (5.8 per game) and rankedsecond in scoring (12.2).

Weaknesses: Losing three seniors to graduation, experience mightbe a concern.

Quotable: “There’s quite a bit of balance in the

league this season and there are five teams who can compete forthe title.”

— Coach Tom Collen

New Mexico

Last season: 18-11 (9-5)

Result vs. SDSU: Win 65-47 at UNM, win 66-60 at SDSU.

Key returners: Miranda Sanchez, F; Susan Bockock, C; Jordan Adams,F

Key losses: Aiyana Nash, Guard; Sonya Bryant, F

Strengths: Experience will be UNM’s greatest asset. Coach DonFlanagan’s work recruiting should pay off this season. This alongwith strong post play should spell a successful season for NewMexico.

Weaknesses: Small forward; The loss of Sonya Bryant will beheavily felt at this position. The graduate finished her career fifthin points scored in team history.

Quotable: “People going to our games expect us to win, want us towin and are disappointed when we don’t.”

— Coach Flanagan

UNLV

Last season: 17-12 (8-6)

Result vs. SDSU: Win, 69-63 at UNLV; loss 54-52 at SDSU.

Key returners: Linda Fr