What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, or so the city’s commercials suggest. But the impact of this week’s Mountain West Conference tournament in Sin City will be felt on college campuses across the U.S.

No other league tournament is as unpredictable — or as important to the fates of bubble teams nationwide — as the Mountain West's.

New Mexico, San Diego State, and UNLV are firmly on the bubble and will be fighting for their NCAA tournament lives. Win two games in Las Vegas and their ticket is punched. But lose early and the Lobos, Aztecs, and Runnin’ Rebels will find themselves in the NIT. The Utah Utes and BYU Cougars are locks for at-large bids, but could significantly improve their seeds by winning the crown.

Call it Mountain Madness, where the outcome of every game will matter greatly to the NCAA tournament selection committee. Based on the MWC's results, the league could send as few as two or as many as four of its members dancing. The greater the number of Mountain West teams that receive at-large bids, the lower the likelihood that borderline schools Arizona, Florida, Penn State, and Providence will be pleased on Selection Sunday.

This is why the Wildcats, Gators, Nittany Lions, and Friars are paying attention to the Mountain West — and why you should too.

San Diego State and UNLV meet Thursday in the quarterfinals. Because the Aztecs are only 1-5 against the RPI Top 50, a loss would eliminate San Diego State from serious at-large consideration. With wins over Louisville and Arizona, the Runnin’ Rebels have more room for error. But UNLV has already lost twice to San Diego State, including this past Saturday. A third loss to the Aztecs would make an at-large bid remote.

“We’ll play [the tournament] like we have to win each game,” said UNLV coach Lon Kruger.

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San Diego State is the more efficient offensive club, but UNLV will be playing at home. If the Rebels’ leading scorers, guards Wink Adams and Tre'Von Willis, shoot significantly better than they did in their prior two outings against the Aztecs (10 for 42 combined), UNLV should triumph. Unless, that is, San Diego State again dominates the glass.

Whoever emerges will still need one more victory to feel confident — and will likely face BYU in Friday's semifinals, assuming the Cougars defeat the winner of Colorado State-Air Force.

Young but consistent, BYU has been red hot since the start of February. Senior guard Lee Cummard leads the Cougars in scoring for a second consecutive season, but it is the improved play of both junior forward Jonathan Tavernari and sophomore guard Jimmer Fredette that has the Cougars destined for a third consecutive NCAA Tournament.

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With an RPI of 21, a 9-3 record away from home, and not a single bad loss, BYU would make a compelling case for a No. 6 seed — if only the Cougars had another quality win. Therein lies the immense importance to BYU of the conference tournament, an opportunity to significantly strengthen its case to the selection committee.

“Our players recognize how important it is to win games,” said BYU coach Dave Rose. “Our urgency is at a pretty high level.”

Also on Thursday, New Mexico battles Wyoming. The Lobos, more aggressive and much-improved on both ends of the floor since the start of the season, are making a late run at an at-large invitation. New Mexico has won 10 of its last 12 games, including a one point victory over the Cowboys this past Saturday.

“I’m very excited about what our guys have done over the last couple months. We’ve gotten better,” said New Mexico coach Steve Alford.

More on: Mountain West | NCAA tournament

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