UNLV head coach Kevin Kruger signifies his players against Utah State throughout the second half of their NCAA males's basketball game at the Thomas & & Mack Center on Wednesday, March. 1, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review Journal) @Left_Eye_ImagesSan Diego State head coach Brian Dutcher points during the first half of a Final Four college basketball video game against Florida Atlantic in the NCAA Tournament on Saturday, April 1, 2023, in Houston. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)San Diego State head coach Brian Dutcher responds during the first half of a Final Four college basketball video game against Florida Atlantic in the NCAA Tournament on Saturday, April 1, 2023, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)San Diego State head coach Brian Dutcher speaks about guard Lamont Butler throughout a press conference at the Final Four NCAA college basketball tournament on Sunday, April 2, 2023, in Houston. San Diego State and Connecticut play for the championship game on Monday. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)Connecticut head coach Dan Hurley and San Diego State head coach Brian Dutcher speak throughout an interview with CBS Sports' Seth Davis at the Final Four NCAA college basketball competition on Sunday, April 2, 2023, in Houston. San Diego State and Connecticut play for the championship game on Monday. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip).
HOUSTON - - Mountain West commissioner Gloria Nevarez used a red blazer for a Final Four video game between conference member San Diego State and Florida Atlantic on Saturday.

If UNLV ever makes it to the season's final weekend once again, she'll have the proper wardrobe.

It's a (actually) long and (really) winding roadway.

The Aztecs, on a last-second shot from junior guard Lamont Butler, beat Florida Atlantic 72-71 and will play for the championship game Monday versus Connecticut.

And sitting in the first row off the court at NRG Stadium when the ball went through the net was UNLV coach Kevin Kruger.

Enjoying. Examining.

Dreaming.

A serious dry spell.

There isn't a coach who does not think that in time his team can't reach the peak of its sport. Kruger is no various.

It's difficult to take your midrange jumper at history if you're not at least invited to the dance.

UNLV hasn't made an NCAA field because 2013. We're talking a severe drought of not being good enough.

" To pat San Diego State on the back is difficult to do as a conference opponent you complete versus all the time," Kruger said. "But this run is more than 20 years in the making. The culture they have developed. The way they play. They're so exceptionally consistent due to the fact that they've stuck with it and trusted in it and thought in what they do. And now they're in the Final Four.".

It's a technique Kruger, who will enter his 3rd year as coach next season, hopes to imitate if offered the time. UNLV needs much better ones.

The Rebels - - and all Mountain West teams - would like to borrow a page from San Diego State's video game strategy. It's one that says if you can certify for the NCAAs enough, odds prefer breaking through at some level.

The Aztecs have been to 12 NCAAs given that Steve Fisher assumed control of the program in 1999 before giving way to Brian Dutcher 6 years ago. San Diego State has had its share of first-round losses, a definite level of frustration.

However it has actually kept coming back. Kept being good enough.

It's not the very same with other Mountain West groups, even when they do certify. The league - - which put four teams in each of the previous 2 competitions - - had lost 11 straight NCAA video games prior to San Diego State began this magical journey.

" Unfortunately, our conference hasn't had much March Madness success," San Diego State assistant coach Dave Velasquez said. "But if you have a program like UNLV - - with its tradition and returning to its (national championship) run of 1990, that was an amazing run. I think other Mountain West teams can do this.".

It's not easy for a midmajor program to advance this far, especially those whose schools also play football. Spending plans and targeted resources are constantly pointed first at the sport of helmets and shoulder pads. It garners the most dollars.

Think about: UNLV basketball is allocated just over 10 percent of its athletic department's budget.

Gonzaga, which doesn't play football, is at 35 percent.

It has actually also made five Elite Eights and played for two national championships in the past 8 years.

Never say never ever.

" That makes a big distinction," stated Marvin Menzies, a previous UNLV coach who now runs the program at Missouri-Kansas City. "It's essential for midmajor teams to have as numerous resources as possible. A lot of things has to fall in place for a run like San Diego State is having. Anything can take place. I believe UNLV has an outstanding athletic director in Erick Harper who comprehends the landscape.

" Never say never. If it happened as soon as (at UNLV), it can happen again.".

There is more to it. Recruiting. Patience. Roster management. Website. Call, Image and Likeness.

Perseverance.

Kruger viewed and sat and imagined far better times for his program Saturday, seeing the level of physical play and understanding it's a location in which his group requires to greatly enhance.

Watched and thought about his own side one day breaking through.

You have to get there. You can't have the last dance without a first one.

" That's the objective," Kruger stated. "To be out there competing with these groups.".

If you can't dream it, why bother?

Ed Graney is a Sigma Delta Chi Award winner for sports column writing and be reached at egraney@reviewjournal.com. He can be heard on "The Press Box," ESPN Radio 100.9 FM and 1100 AM, from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. Monday through Friday. Follow @edgraney on Twitter.

Up next.

Who: Connecticut vs. San Diego State.

What: NCAA championship game.

When: 6 p.m. Monday.

Where: NRG Stadium, Houston.

TV/Radio: KLAS-8; KWWN (1100 AM, 100.9 FM).

Line: Connecticut -7½½; 132.