Shootaround: Hofschild Wants to Check a Box

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LAS VEGAS, Nev. – To get to where she wants to go, McKenna Hofschild needs get something she's never had.

A win over New Mexico.

The Colorado State women's basketball point guard, who has set the single-season record for assists this year with 197, doesn't own a win over the Lobos in her two campaigns. The Rams will get a crack in Tuesday's second semifinal matchup at the Thomas & Mack Center, tipping at 8:30 p.m. (MT).

"I want them. I want them bad," Hofschild said. "Since I've been here, we've gone 0-4 against them. They're always good games, always very exciting, fun games. We just haven't gotten that win yet, and (today) would be a very good day for sure."

Perfect timing, too, as it would put CSU in the tournament championship game for the first time since beating Fresno State for the title in 2016.

The game will be played in stark contrast to what transpired Monday night, when CSU and Wyoming both buckled down defensively in a low-scoring affair. The Lobos like to run, they'll take the first open look in the shot clock and live the life of a 3-point shooting team.

In two games this year, the Lobos have attempted 84 3s against Rams, making 32.

Transitioning to that style of game a night later is a tough task.

"I don't think it's easy by any means, but these kids have been good at it all year," CSU coach Ryun Williams said. "I think they're really locked into the different assignments that's in front of you. Last night was over, we knew this was going to be a totally different game than San Jose, and I thought we came in with the right mudder, fighter mindset. (Tonight) it's a totally different game. To put this one behind, some short turnarounds this year, one day off and play, our kids have been really solid there. We know we have a very tough New Mexico team in front of us. We're going to have to play our best game of the year to get a win (tonight)."

The Series – The Rams have been in both games, but have given up runs late in the 85-74 and 81-73 losses. In tournament play, CSU is 2-4 against New Mexico.

What to Watch from the Lobos – Antonia Anderson has been the main gunner against the Rams this year, attempting 34 3-pointers on her own, making 15 of them. The oddity of the statistic is she is a distant third on the Lobos in terms of 3-point attempts (122), with LaTascya Duff leading the team at 188, Jaedyn De La Cerda coming in at 182. They rank third nationally with 851 attempts and 300 made on the year.

What to Watch from the Rams – Hofschild and Atosu both have double-figure games in each outing, with Hofschild also averaging 9.0 assists in the two matchups. Kendyll Kinzer and Karly Murphy have also hit double figures against the Lobos this season.

Of Note – The Rams had a chance to rest up after Monday's late game, meeting for breakfast at 10 a.m., then heading to shootaround at 11:30. All four semifinal teams had a full 50 minutes to work out on the Thomas & Mack floor with only two games on the slate. … No. 1 UNLV faces No. 5 Air Force in the earlier semifinal, which begins at 6 p.m. … Wednesday's final will be played at 8 p.m., following the first three games of the opening round of the men's tournament. … Colorado State is now 19-20 all-time in the Mountain West Tournament; New Mexico is 31-17 and is looking to break a tie with Boise State for the most championships. Both of them have five. Air Force and UNLV are both seeking their first titles, the Rams their third.

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