The Western 23: Week 2 Basketball Recap

The first full week is in the books, and basketball is back.

The Western 23 provides a look at what the next level of college basketball programs have to face: significant turnover, restructuring, and conference realignment is found in nearly every team we cover.

This recap is the first of a weekly series Elevation Change will publish that will highlight what each team has brought to the court in the past week rather than the similar Western 20 recaps we do for football that goes through each team’s previous games in detail.

With that being said, let’s get started and see how the Western 23 showcased last week.

Pac-12

Gonzaga

Season 2–0 | This week 2–0

Best game: 78–72 win vs. No. 8 Purdue
Games and results: Nov. 2: W 78–72 vs. No. 8 Purdue (Las Vegas)
Nov. 7: W 109–68 vs. New Mexico State

Gonzaga could hardly have asked for a better start to its inaugural Pac-12 campaign. The No. 15 Bulldogs opened the season with a statement victory over No. 8 Purdue in Las Vegas, defeating the Boilermakers 78–72 in one of the opening week’s premier matchups. Mark Few’s squad followed the victory with a dominant 109–68 performance against New Mexico State, surpassing the century mark in its home opener. The Zags have quickly established themselves as one of the conference’s strongest teams, pairing an impressive ranked victory with an explosive offensive showing. With an experienced coaching staff and plenty of talent, Gonzaga’s early results suggest another season of national relevance could be on the horizon.

Utah State

Season 2–0 | This week 2–0

Best game: 94–58 win vs. Idaho State
Games and results: Nov. 2: W 94–58 vs. Idaho State
Nov. 7: W 90–56 vs. Omaha

Utah State began the Ben Jacobson era with a pair of comfortable victories, taking down Idaho State and Omaha by a combined 70 points. The Aggies opened the season with a 94–58 win over the Bengals before defeating the Mavericks 90–56 five days later. While neither matchup presented a major test, Utah State’s ability to control both games from start to finish provides an encouraging sign for a program navigating its transition into the Pac-12. The Aggies have displayed offensive consistency while limiting opponents to fewer than 60 points in both contests. More challenging opponents await, but Utah State has given fans in Logan plenty to be optimistic about after the first week.

Oregon State

Season 2–0 | This week 2–0

Best game: 96–68 win vs. California Baptist
Games and results: Nov. 2: W 102–61 vs. Weber State
Nov. 6: W 96–68 vs. California Baptist

The Justin Joyner era at Oregon State is off to an impressive start, with the Beavers picking up two dominant victories at Gill Coliseum. Oregon State opened the season by dismantling Weber State 102–61, demonstrating an explosive offense capable of overwhelming its opponents. The Beavers followed that performance with a 96–68 victory over California Baptist, improving to 2–0 while averaging 99 points per game. Oregon State has shown early promise on the offensive end, a welcome development for a program looking to establish itself in the restructured Pac-12. Although the level of competition will increase significantly, the Beavers’ encouraging start gives Joyner a strong foundation to build upon.

Boise State

Season 2–0 | This week 2–0

Best game: 100–81 win vs. Butler
Games and results: Nov. 4: W 132–53 vs. West Coast Baptist
Nov. 8: W 100–81 vs. Butler

Boise State wasted little time showing off its offensive potential in the new season. The Broncos opened their campaign with an overwhelming 132–53 victory against West Coast Baptist, scoring more points than any other team in the Pac-12 during its opening game. Leon Rice’s team then faced a considerably stronger opponent in Butler, but continued its impressive offensive start with a 100–81 victory. The Broncos have now reached triple digits in both games, providing an encouraging sign for a team hoping to challenge the conference’s established powers. Although the opening competition has varied considerably in difficulty, Boise State’s ability to generate offense has been one of the more noteworthy developments of the first week.

Colorado State

Season 2–0 | This week 2–0

Best game: 84–74 win vs. Montana State
Games and results: Nov. 2: W 84–74 vs. Montana State
Nov. 6: W 78–67 vs. Idaho

Colorado State opened its first Pac-12 season with a pair of double-digit victories over regional opponents. The Rams began with an 84–74 win against Montana State before defeating Idaho 78–67 later in the week. While neither contest was a runaway victory, Ali Farokhmanesh’s team demonstrated an ability to maintain control and secure wins against competitive opponents. Colorado State’s balanced offensive performances provide an encouraging foundation as the Rams prepare for a more demanding conference schedule. With Gonzaga, Utah State and San Diego State among the teams expected to compete near the top of the Pac-12, the Rams will need to continue developing consistency if they hope to challenge for a conference championship.

Texas State

Season 2–0 | This week 2–0

Best game: 67–55 win vs. Texas A&M–Corpus Christi
Games and results: Nov. 2: W 67–55 vs. Texas A&M–Corpus Christi
Nov. 5: W 135–66 vs. Howard Payne

Texas State began its first season as a Pac-12 member with two victories, although the Bobcats’ offensive performances could hardly have been more different. The Bobcats opened with a defensive-minded 67–55 win against Texas A&M–Corpus Christi before exploding for 135 points in a 69-point victory over Division III Howard Payne. The enormous scoring outburst provides an early highlight for a program facing a significant increase in competition following its move from the Sun Belt. Texas State has shown the ability to win through different styles, but whether that versatility translates against stronger Division I opponents remains to be seen. For now, the Bobcats have started their historic campaign on a positive note.

San Diego State

Season 1–0 | This week 1–0

Best game: 102–78 win vs. Cal State Fullerton
Games and results: Nov. 3: W 102–78 vs. Cal State Fullerton

San Diego State opened its 2026–27 campaign with a convincing 102–78 victory over Cal State Fullerton, beginning its first Pac-12 season on a positive note. The Aztecs surpassed the century mark in their season opener, providing an encouraging offensive performance for a program traditionally recognized for its defensive intensity. Brian Dutcher’s team enters the season with aspirations of challenging Gonzaga and Utah State near the top of the conference standings, and its opening victory offers an early glimpse of that potential. While one game provides only a limited picture of the Aztecs’ capabilities, reaching 102 points suggests San Diego State could have the offensive firepower necessary to complement its established defensive identity.

Fresno State

Season 1–1 | This week 1–1

Best game: 88–79 win vs. Fresno Pacific
Games and results: Nov. 2: W 88–79 vs. Fresno Pacific
Nov. 7: L 65–81 at UC San Diego

Fresno State’s inaugural Pac-12 season began with mixed results, as the Bulldogs split their first two games against California opponents. Fresno State opened the campaign with an 88–79 win over Fresno Pacific, but struggled in its first road test, falling 81–65 to UC San Diego. The 16-point defeat raised early concerns about the Bulldogs’ ability to compete against stronger opponents, particularly after their less-than-convincing opening victory against Division II competition. Fresno State faces a difficult road ahead in a conference featuring several established postseason contenders. Finding consistent offensive production and tightening its defense will be important if the Bulldogs hope to improve on last season’s 13-win campaign.

Washington State

Season 0–1 | This week 0–1

Best game: 61–76 loss vs. Davidson (only game)
Games and results: Nov. 2: L 61–76 vs. Davidson

Washington State’s return to Pac-12 basketball began on a disappointing note, as the Cougars suffered a 76–61 home defeat to Davidson in their season opener. The loss revealed some early offensive concerns for a program looking to rebound from a difficult 2025–26 campaign. Washington State managed just 61 points in the contest and struggled to keep pace with a Davidson team that controlled the scoring. While the Cougars have plenty of time to improve, dropping their opener at Beasley Coliseum is a frustrating beginning to an important season for the program. Washington State will need to establish more consistent offensive production if it hopes to compete in the upper half of the newly assembled Pac-12.

Mountain West

New Mexico

Season 2–0 | This week 2–0

Best game: 100–60 win vs. Utah Tech
Games and results: Nov. 2: W 100–60 vs. Utah Tech
Nov. 7: W 94–65 vs. Northern Arizona

New Mexico entered the season as the Mountain West preseason favorite and wasted little time demonstrating why. The Lobos opened their campaign with a dominant 100–60 victory over Utah Tech before handling Northern Arizona 94–65 to improve to 2–0. Eric Olen’s squad averaged 97 points across its first two games, establishing an impressive offensive rhythm while comfortably controlling both matchups. The Lobos also demonstrated defensive effectiveness, limiting opponents to an average of 62.5 points. Although New Mexico has yet to face another conference contender, its opening performances provide plenty of reasons for optimism in Albuquerque. With several traditional Mountain West powers now competing in the Pac-12, the Lobos appear determined to take advantage of their opportunity to lead the new conference.

Grand Canyon

Season 2–0 | This week 2–0

Best game: 103–79 win vs. Texas Southern
Games and results: Nov. 2: W 103–79 vs. Texas Southern
Nov. 7: W 99–81 vs. Bethune-Cookman

Grand Canyon began its second Mountain West season with two convincing home victories, showcasing the offensive potential that made the Antelopes one of the conference’s preseason favorites. The Lopes opened with a 103–79 win over Texas Southern before defeating Bethune-Cookman 99–81. Bryce Drew’s team has averaged 101 points through its opening two contests, demonstrating the scoring ability necessary to compete for a conference championship. While neither opponent is expected to contend for an NCAA Tournament berth, Grand Canyon’s consistency on the offensive end is an encouraging development. The Lopes will face more challenging competition as the season progresses, but their opening performances suggest they are ready to challenge New Mexico for Mountain West supremacy.

Nevada

Season 2–0 | This week 2–0

Best game: 96–95 overtime win vs. Saint Mary’s
Games and results: Nov. 2: W 86–49 vs. Robert Morris
Nov. 8: W 96–95 vs. Saint Mary’s (OT, Lake Tahoe Classic)

Nevada delivered one of the most impressive victories of the opening week, taking down Saint Mary’s 96–95 in overtime at the Lake Tahoe Classic. The thrilling victory came after the Wolf Pack opened their season with a dominant 86–49 win over Robert Morris, giving Steve Alford’s squad a perfect start to his final campaign in Reno. The win against Saint Mary’s is particularly significant given the Gaels’ national reputation and consistent postseason success. After cruising through their opener, the Wolf Pack proved capable of winning a close contest against a quality opponent. Nevada entered the season hoping to challenge New Mexico and Grand Canyon for the Mountain West championship, and its opening-week performances have only strengthened that possibility.

Wyoming

Season 2–0 | This week 2–0

Best game: 93–62 win vs. Idaho State
Games and results: Nov. 3: W 95–48 vs. Regis University
Nov. 6: W 93–62 vs. Idaho State

Wyoming opened its third season under Sundance Wicks with two dominant victories, defeating Regis University and Idaho State by a combined 78 points. The Cowboys began with a 95–48 victory over Division II Regis before taking down Idaho State 93–62 later in the week. Wyoming has scored at least 93 points in both contests, providing an encouraging indication of its offensive capabilities. While the opening competition has not been particularly demanding, the Cowboys have displayed the consistency expected of a team hoping to improve on last season’s 18-win campaign. With a challenging road matchup against North Carolina approaching, Wyoming will soon have an opportunity to measure its progress against a nationally recognized opponent.

UNLV

Season 2–0 | This week 2–0

Best game: 88–79 win vs. Samford
Games and results: Nov. 3: W 89–77 vs. Northern Arizona
Nov. 7: W 88–79 vs. Samford

UNLV opened Josh Pastner’s second season with consecutive victories, beginning its pursuit of a long-awaited NCAA Tournament appearance on a positive note. The Runnin’ Rebels defeated Northern Arizona 89–77 in their opener before earning an 88–79 victory over Samford. While neither win was particularly dominant, UNLV demonstrated an ability to score efficiently enough to overcome its opponents, averaging 88.5 points across the two contests. The Rebels will need to improve their defensive consistency after surrendering at least 77 points in both games, particularly as their schedule becomes more challenging. Still, a 2–0 start provides an encouraging foundation for a program attempting to return to national relevance in the restructured Mountain West.

Hawai’i

Season 3–0 | This week 3–0

Best game: 74–73 win vs. Seattle
Games and results: Nov. 2: W 74–73 vs. Seattle
Nov. 6: W 116–44 vs. Bethesda University
Nov. 8: W 71–62 vs. UT Arlington

Hawaii opened its first Mountain West campaign with two victories that showcased dramatically different styles of basketball. The Rainbow Warriors began with a narrow 74–73 win against Seattle, surviving a close contest in their season opener. They followed that performance with an overwhelming 116–44 victory against Bethesda University, demonstrating their offensive firepower against a significantly overmatched opponent. The two results provide an interesting early picture of Eran Ganot’s team, which is attempting to build on last season’s NCAA Tournament appearance despite substantial roster turnover. The Rainbow Warriors have shown they can both survive a close game and dominate an inferior opponent, but more demanding competition will provide a clearer understanding of their potential in the Mountain West.

UC Davis

Season 1–1 | This week 1–1

Best game: 65–52 win vs. Menlo College
Games and results: Nov. 2: L 75–79 vs. North Alabama
Nov. 5: W 65–52 vs. Menlo College

UC Davis experienced a difficult beginning to its first Mountain West season, splitting its opening two games. The Aggies fell 79–75 to North Alabama in their season opener, surrendering a winnable home contest despite a competitive offensive showing. UC Davis responded with a 65–52 victory over Division II Menlo College, although the relatively low-scoring performance provided additional questions about the team’s offensive capabilities. The Aggies enter the Mountain West facing a significant increase in competition compared with their former Big West schedule, making early consistency particularly important. While UC Davis managed to secure its first victory, Jim Les’ team will need to improve on both ends of the floor to compete against the conference’s established contenders.

Air Force

Season 2–1 | This week 2–1

Best game: 89–82 win vs. Idaho State
Games and results: Nov. 2: L 71–102 at Wright State
Nov. 5: W 107–58 vs. Calumet College of St. Joseph
Nov. 8: W 89–82 vs. Idaho State

Air Force’s first week under new head coach Joe Crispin featured a difficult opening defeat followed by two encouraging victories. The Falcons began their season with a 102–71 loss at Wright State, exposing defensive problems that plagued the program throughout its three-win campaign last season. Air Force rebounded with a 107–58 win over NAIA opponent Calumet College of St. Joseph before defeating Idaho State 89–82 in its second Division I matchup. The victory against the Bengals gives Air Force an early sign of progress, particularly after failing to win a Mountain West game last season. Although defensive consistency remains a concern, the Falcons have already demonstrated an improved ability to generate offense and secure a competitive victory.

UTEP

Season 1–1 | This week 1–1

Best game: 79–60 win vs. Incarnate Word
Games and results: Nov. 2: L 76–84 vs. Northern Kentucky (neutral site)
Nov. 8: W 79–60 vs. Incarnate Word

UTEP’s return to the Mountain West began with a disappointing 84–76 loss to Northern Kentucky in its season opener. The Miners struggled to contain the Norse offensively, allowing 84 points in a game that highlighted some of the challenges facing Joe Golding’s rebuilt roster. With numerous new contributors adjusting to their roles, UTEP will need time to develop the consistency necessary to compete in its new conference. The opening defeat is particularly frustrating for a program hoping to rebound from an 11-win season. But, the Miners were able to snag their first victory of the season following a late-night Sunday victory over Incarnate Word. Cam McDaniels helped the Miners secure their first win of the season with 27 points and 40% from three. If McDaniels can continue to showcase that level of skill, the Miners could potentially play spoiler in a fairly competitive Mountain West conference.

San Jose State

Season 1–1 | This week 1–1

Best game: 95–74 win vs. UTSA
Games and results: Nov. 2: W 95–74 vs. UTSA
Nov. 7: L 79–91 at UC Irvine

San Jose State opened its season with a convincing 95–74 victory over UTSA, offering an encouraging start for a program looking to improve on last year’s nine-win campaign. However, the Spartans struggled in their first road test, falling 91–79 to UC Irvine. San Jose State trailed by 20 points at halftime and was overwhelmed on the glass, losing the rebounding battle 46–24 while allowing 44 points in the paint. Joey Chammaa and Mookie Cook each scored 16 points in the defeat, but their contributions were not enough to overcome the Anteaters’ physical advantage. The contrasting performances demonstrate San Jose State’s offensive potential while raising concerns about its ability to defend and rebound against stronger competition.

Conference USA

New Mexico State

Season 1–1 | This week 1–1

Best game: 73–66 win vs. Western New Mexico
Games and results: Nov. 3: W 73–66 vs. Western New Mexico
Nov. 7: L 68–109 at No. 15 Gonzaga

New Mexico State endured a difficult opening week, struggling in its season opener before suffering a lopsided defeat against nationally ranked Gonzaga. The Aggies began with a narrow 73–66 victory over Division II Western New Mexico, a result that raised questions about their offensive consistency against relatively modest competition. Those concerns became more apparent in Spokane, where No. 15 Gonzaga overwhelmed New Mexico State 109–68. The 41-point defeat highlighted the gap between the Aggies and one of the nation’s established basketball powers. Jason Hooten’s team faces a demanding nonconference schedule that includes matchups against UTEP, San Diego State and New Mexico. While the opening results have been underwhelming, the Aggies will have numerous opportunities to demonstrate improvement before entering Conference USA play.

Summit League

North Dakota State

Season 1–3 | This week 1–3

Best game: 70–79 loss at San Francisco
Games and results: Nov. 2: W 90–59 vs. Minnesota Crookston
Nov. 4: L 64–105 at Saint Mary’s
Nov. 6: L 70–79 at San Francisco
Nov. 8: L 80–91 at Cal State Bakersfield

North Dakota State’s attempt to defend its Summit League championship began with mixed results during a challenging opening road trip. The Bison started the season with a comfortable 90–59 win against Division II Minnesota Crookston before traveling west for three consecutive road games. Their first test against Saint Mary’s proved particularly difficult, as North Dakota State suffered a 105–64 defeat to the Gaels. The Bison responded with a considerably more competitive performances at San Francisco, losing 79–70 to the Dons, and against Cal State Bakersfield, losing 91–80. With significant roster turnover following last season’s NCAA Tournament appearance, North Dakota State faces the challenge of developing chemistry against demanding non-conference competition. The Bison have shown flashes of promise, but their opening results suggest rebuilding their championship-level consistency could take time.

Horizon League

Northern Illinois

Season 1–2 | This week 1–2

Best game: 81–76 overtime win at Dayton
Games and results: Nov. 2: L 87–89 vs. Grambling State (neutral site)
Nov. 5: L 75–94 at Tulsa
Nov. 7: W 81–76 at Dayton (OT)

Northern Illinois experienced one of the more surprising opening weeks among Elevation Change’s covered programs, overcoming two difficult defeats to earn an impressive road victory against Dayton. The Huskies began their inaugural Horizon League season with a heartbreaking 89–87 loss to Grambling State before falling 94–75 at Tulsa. However, Matt Majkrzak’s team responded in impressive fashion, defeating Dayton 81–76 in overtime on the Flyers’ home court. The victory provides an encouraging sign for a program that won just nine games last season and was picked near the bottom of its new conference. Although defensive consistency remains a concern after allowing an average of 86.3 points through three contests, Northern Illinois has already demonstrated an ability to compete against quality competition.

Big West

Sacramento State

Season 1–1 | This week 1–1

Best game: 77–83 loss at Santa Clara
Games and results: Nov. 2: W 90–74 vs. Jessup
Nov. 7: L 77–83 at Santa Clara

Sacramento State began its first season in the Big West with a competitive opening week under head coach Mike Bibby. The Hornets opened their campaign with a 90–74 victory over Jessup before traveling to Santa Clara for their first significant test. Sacramento State pushed the Broncos throughout the contest and held a 67–60 second-half advantage, but a decisive 15–0 Santa Clara run turned the game around and handed the Hornets an 83–77 defeat. Mikey Williams led Sacramento State with 21 points in the loss, providing an encouraging sign for a team hoping to develop one of the conference’s more explosive offenses. Although the Hornets finished the week with a split record, their competitive performance against Santa Clara suggests they could be more dangerous than their preseason projections indicate.