Sam Merrill powers Utah State over New Mexico in the MWC Tournament quarterfinals

Las Vegas • It might have been the fresh haircut, the bounce in his step or the slight grin on his face. Whatever it was, it was evident Sam Merrill was enjoying the spotlight of the Mountain West Conference tournament. Or maybe he was relishing the chance to avenge Utah State’s regular-season-ending loss to New Mexico last Friday. Or some combination of the two.By the end of the game, Merrill’s hair was mussed and his hop was gone, but the grin was still there, at least at the