Tag: San Diego State Basketball

How to buy UConn vs. San Diego State 2024 NCAA Tournament March Madness Sweet 16 tickets

Want to watch UCONN vs. San Diego State in person? Tickets are still available for this Sweet 16 matchup in Boston, MA.

Take a breath, Huskies and Aztecs fans, your teams are moving onto the Sweet 16!

No. 1 UConn routed No. 9 Northwestern 75-58, led by 20 points and 10 assists from senior Tristen Newton.

No. 5 San Diego State dispatched the penultimate double-digit seed, No. 13 Yale, 85-57 on Sunday night, capping the Round of 32.

Both teams advance to the Sweet 16 in the East Region, and will play in Boston on Thursday, March 28, in a rematch of last year’s NCAA Championship Game.

Tickets are still available to the UConn vs. San Diego State Sweet 16 matchup for as little as $294.

Tickets include access to both Sweet 16 games, the other game will feature the No. 2 Iowa State vs. No. 3 Illinois.

Weekend passes are also still available, and include both Sweet 16 games and the subsequent Elite 8 game in Boston.

At the time of publication Boston Regional weekend passes are still available for as little as $500.

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How to buy UConn vs. San Diego State 2024 NCAA Tournament March Madness Sweet 16 tickets

Want to watch UCONN vs. San Diego State in person? Tickets are still available for this Sweet 16 matchup in Boston, MA.

Take a breath, Huskies and Aztecs fans, your teams are moving onto the Sweet 16!

No. 1 UConn routed No. 9 Northwestern 75-58, led by 20 points and 10 assists from senior Tristen Newton.

No. 5 San Diego State dispatched the penultimate double-digit seed, No. 13 Yale, 85-57 on Sunday night, capping the Round of 32.

Both teams advance to the Sweet 16 in the East Region, and will play in Boston on Thursday, March 28, in a rematch of last year’s NCAA Championship Game.

Tickets are still available to the UConn vs. San Diego State Sweet 16 matchup for as little as $294.

Tickets include access to both Sweet 16 games, the other game will feature the No. 2 Iowa State vs. No. 3 Illinois.

Weekend passes are also still available, and include both Sweet 16 games and the subsequent Elite 8 game in Boston.

At the time of publication Boston Regional weekend passes are still available for as little as $500.

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2024 Mountain West Championship: New Mexico Secures First MWC Tournament Title in Over a Decade with 68-61 win over SDSU

Game Recap: No. 6 New Mexico 68, No. 5 San Diego State 61 Jaelen House get’s his moment & secures his first MWC title in his last conference game. Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire New Mexico secures first conference tournament title in a …

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 Game Recap: No. 6 New Mexico 68, No. 5 San Diego State 61

Jaelen House get’s his moment & secures his first MWC title in his last conference game.

Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire

New Mexico secures first conference tournament title in a decade, thanks to the play of Jaelen House & JT Toppin.

Las Vegas, NV–If there were any better cherry on top of what has been one of the more competitive & entertaining Mountain West seasons in recent years, it was the championship game slated for Saturday afternoon in sin city. A showdown between longtime conference rivals No. 5 seed San Diego State & No. 6 seed New Mexico.

Two teams that may not have been on everyone’s bracket in the MWC Tournament title game, but two deserving programs nonetheless. New Mexico won three straight games in three straight days to get here. Beating Air Force on Wednesday (82-56), Boise State (76-66) on Thursday & Colorado State (74-61) late Friday night.

While San Diego State got a bye into the quarterfinals on Thursday, where they narrowly squeezed by UNLV 74-71. Then upsetting No. 1 seed & regular season champion Utah State 86-70 on Friday.

It isn’t unfamiliar territory for either program, but it’s been a second home for one & a once in a while destination for the other. San Diego State have become fixtures in the Mountain West Tournament title game the last decade. Making nine appearances in ten years & cutting the nets down four times in that span.

While New Mexico made a Cinderella style run in Paul Weir’s first season in Albuquerque back in 2018. That game was also against the Aztecs & their “first year” Head Coach Brian Dutcher. The Lobos fell 82-75 to their conference rivals that year.

Missing out on the title, one they haven’t brought home to Albuquerque since Craig Neals first year in charge in Albuquerque back in 2014. Noodles inherited a Steve Alford built roster to help lift that trophy. With history & an automatic berth to the big dance on the line, each team needed to cap amazing individual seasons with an amazing win Saturday afternoon.

The Lobos momentum was still in full swing at tip-off. Hitting the floor hard in the opening minutes on a 6-2 run. A Darrion Trimmell three pointer brought the Aztecs to within one. Sparked by Jaelen Houses’ energy, New Mexico found their offensive rhythm, though San Diego State kept things close.

Richard Pitino’s squad enjoyed small runs all throughout the first half. The first thanks to five straight Jamal Mashburn Jr. points, giving New Mexico their biggest lead to that point, 16-8 approaching the ten minute mark. To be followed with four straight three point field goals (3-House & 1-Mashburn Jr.) to extend their lead to double-digits, 30-18.

After a JT Toppin layup gave the Lobos the 34-20 lead approaching the two minute mark, the Aztecs made their stand. Going on a 10-2 run before half-time, with all points coming in the paint from their frontcourt duo of Jay Pal & JaeDon LeDee. As the buzzer sounded, New Mexico went into the locker rooms up 36-30.

Second Half

Even though the Lobos surrendered the closing minutes of the first half to the Aztecs, they wouldn’t let that influence how they emerged from half-time. Earning a quick five points from their backcourt duo before San Diego State decided it was time to put the clamp down.

The Aztecs fell victim to New Mexico’s fast pace style of play most of the game. Leading to their deficit & leadless first half. But Brian Dutcher’s squad wins their games in a much slower & physically charged way. San Diego State made a stand that would turn what was a comfortable Lobo lead most of the game into a one procession dogfight the rest of the way.

The Aztecs would turn to a style of play called, pass the ball to Jaedon. A play that would see LeDee vie for position in the post, receive the ball & eight times out of ten get fouled & head to the line. The other two times out of ten he would make the shot.

Creating quite a conundrum for New Mexico, who became spooked & decided their approach would be fouling the Aztec big to make him earn his points at the free throw line. Well, it sounded nice in theory. But LeDee came into this one shooting 72.4% from the free throw line. LeDee would go to the line multiple times over the next ten minutes, slowing the game down & taking New Mexico out of their offensive rhythm almost immediately.

A Jaelen House technical foul approaching the ten minute mark would trigger a series of plays that ultimately gave San Diego State their first lead of the game at 44-43 thanks to a Reese Waters jumper.

The next ten minutes were an exchange of free throws with a few genuine field goals scattered about. It brought everything down to the final two minutes of the game. Were both squads were tied at fifty-nine a piece, a time where the only way New Mexico would pull the upset would be if someone scored true field goals & rebounded when their opponents didn’t.

In comes MWC Freshman of the Year JT Toppin, Who grabbed four rebounds & scored five points, which became the cushion needed for third year Head Coach Richard Pitino to secure his first conference title.

The Lobos began to celebrate their 68-61 win at the buzzer, as the first No. 6 seed to win the Mountain West Conference Tournament ever. Jamal Mashburn Jr. joined House & Toppin in double-figures 21 points thanks to some very clutch shooting from all three-levels of scoring.

Player Spotlights

New Mexico–JT Toppin & Jaelen House

Stat line: House-28 points, 5 rebounds & 3 steals on 10-22 (45.4%) from the floor & 3-7 (42.8%) from deep in 36 minutes of action Toppin-13 points & 11 rebounds on 6-8 (75%) from the floor in 35 minutes of action

The performance House had in the first half is the reason the Lobos were able to stay competitive as the Aztecs began chipping away at their grip on the lead. But it was also his level head in the second half as his team struggled, continuing to give effort & not letting it get to his head. His game high 28 points help attribute to an amazing final MWC game ever. And to go out cutting down the nets in the Pit West, there is no better feeling.

JT Toppin stepped up with his double-double as frontcourt mate Nelly Junior-Joseph was mainly tasked with keeping Aztec x-factor LeDee unimpactful until he absolutely couldn’t. So Toppin contributed in all the best ways down low, blocking & altering shots, securing boards of both variety & making shots when no one else could. I couldn’t give the spotlight to just one players as the game was won with the performances of both.

San Diego State F-Jaedon LeDee

Stat line: 25 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists on 7-12 shooting (58.3%) from the floor & a whopping 11-11 (100%) from the free throw line in 37 minutes of play

LeDee went scoreless in the first fifteen minutes of the game. Which is something no one realized until he began scoring every single minutes of the game going forward. The Aztec big man found his confidence late in the first half & found his role going forward, wrecking ball who can shoot free throws, exactly to his liking. LeDee can score at all three levels but is his most consistent battling for space in the paint.

No other Aztec scored in double-figures & his 100% performance from the charity stripe is the a huge piece of why the momentum of the game was laid gently in their hands most of the second-half. It was an All-Tournament level performance for the ages, a great way to cap a great career in the Mountain West.

Next Up:

With the final buzzer in Las Vegas on Saturday night, the conference postseason comes to a close with an incredible performance from all teams involved. The only thing left to do is tune in tomorrow Sunday March 17th for this year’s production of the NCAA Tournament Selection Show.

You can watch Selection Sunday on CBS at 4:00 PM MT & 3:00 PM PT. A streamed version of the show can be viewed on NCAA.com during their March Madness Live Special.

Larry Muniz covers college basketball as a writer for Mountain West Wire and WAC Hoops Digest. Also as a co-host of the college basketball podcast “Hoops Talk W/Jay & Larry”. He is also a USWBA Member.

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Utah State Stands Tall at Home, Beating No. 19 Aztecs 68-63

Game Recap: Utah State 68, No. 19 San Diego State 63 Utah State Stands Tall at Home, Beating Aztecs 68-63 Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire Utah State take sole possession of first place with home win over No. 19 Aztecs. A matchup that is …

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 Game Recap: Utah State 68, No. 19 San Diego State 63

Utah State Stands Tall at Home, Beating Aztecs 68-63

Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire

Utah State take sole possession of first place with home win over No. 19 Aztecs.

A matchup that is appropriately dubbed the battle for first place in the Mountain West. Of course there is plenty of basketball left to play that could alter anyone’s course to a regular season championship.

But with both Utah State & San Diego State tied for first place in the conference heading into Tuesday night’s primetime matchup, all eyes had to be glued on the heavyweight game happening in Logan. As the fate of the regular season conference race could very well be decided tonight.

The last time these two programs met was earlier this month inside Viejas Arena. The Aztecs received a stellar three-point performance (9-20, 45%) and found their way to the line all night (20-28, 71.4%). Slowing down the game allowed San Diego State to slowly mount a comeback late in the first-half.  Using that same strategy in the second-half ensured they never lost their lead & beat a than No. 17 ranked Utah State team 81-67.

With the tables turned as Utah State welcomed a No. 19 ranked San Diego State squad to the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum, hoping for a little bit of payback.

A packed homecourt can give teams a spark right out of the gate, something the Aggies took full advantage of with a 6-0 run in the game’s opening minutes. The Aztecs nearly leveled things before back-to-back baskets by Utah State star Great Osobor kept them at bay.

Brian Dutcher’s group took their first lead of the game (11-10) with a Miles Byrd alley oop. That was just one of five lead changes over the next five minutes or so, along with several other ties. A 6-2 run in the final two minutes of play gave the home team some cushion. As a Darius Brown II jump shot as time expired gave the Aggies the 31-26 lead heading into half-time.

With all of the offensive firepower the Aggies boast, floor general Darius Brown II led all scorers at the half with 12 points, off of 5-7 shooting, which included two threes. While LeDee led the Aztecs with 8 points off of 4-6 shooting down low.

The beginning of the second-half began with a quick five points from the Aggies. San Diego State was quick to respond, or should I say Jaedon LeDee was, with two quick field goals of his own.

After that, Osobor responded with his own 5-0 run on the other end. San Diego State would then go on to miss three consecutive three point jumpers on consecutive possessions, before an Aggie defensive board ended their misery.

As the Aztecs struggled to find success from the floor for the next couple of minutes, they earned their points elsewhere. With four straight free throw makes to bring things to within four (41-37).

Utah State would respond with scoring from three different players, to go on an 8-2 run which included back-to-back three points. Extending their lead to double-digits & ignited the crowd heading into the media timeout.

Brian Dutcher’s group took that time to regroup, with a quick 5-0 run out of the timeout to bring things back to within single digits. It became the theme of the night, as the Aztecs would gain a little momentum & shrink their deficit just for Utah State to do the same & extend it again.

Osobor & Brown II had plenty to do with that for the Aggies, while LeDee had the hot hand for San Diego State. Things slowed down as the game approached the final five minutes of play, but as that happened the Aztecs went on yet another run.

This time a 7-0 run that brought their deficit to just one point (59-58) and was filled with defensive stops. That was enough to force Coach Sprinkle to call a timeout, with 4:37 left in the game.

Luckily for the home crowd, Isaac Johnson was able to capitalize out of that timeout after a missed three pointer by Ian Martinez. This would be followed by a couple of misses from each squad before a Lamont Butler offensive foul ended things before the last media timeout.

Out of that timeout, the man with the hot hand took the three point shot. As Brown II’s shot failed to go in, a Utah State offensive board led to another opportunity from beyond the arc, that one was clean from the graduate transfer.

With time in short supply in Logan, the ball went to LeDee & as he attempted to make the layup, Osobor was there to send it away.

Jay Pal would go on to miss a three on the other end, but LeDee wasn’t prepared to quit just yet and drew a foul that sent him to the line. He would drain those free ones, but it was still a two possession game (64-60).

The Aztec gameplan after that you may ask, foul. Mason Falslev would drain his two shots at the line and made way for Brown II to head to the line immediately after him. As things seemed out of reach for San Diego State, now down 68-60. Miles Byrd hit his only three pointer of the game. But it was too late.

The W stayed in Logan Tuesday night, with Utah State defending their home court with a 68-63 win to take sole possession of first place in the Mountain West.

San Diego State was led by Jaedon LeDee and his 23 points, 15 of which came in the second-half. He was joined in double figures by Reese Waters (11 points) & Miles Byrd (10 points). The Aztecs had a decent night shooting from the floor (24-56, 42.9%), but struggled from deep (3-19, 15.8%).

Utah State simply shot just a tad better. Shooting 25-51 (49%) from the field & a poor but respectable 7-22 (31.8%) from beyond the arc. That figure not see that impressive, but the Aggies sank 4-10 three pointers in the second-half.

Thanks to Darius Brown, who had 13 of his 25 points during that time (including 3-5 3FGs). Other Aggies in double-figures include Mason Falslev with 10 points & Great Osobor with 17 points (13 also in the second-half.

“Everybody had their hand in it, our team is so together. That’s what makes this group special. They know we didn’t win a championship tonight, we have to continue to get better.” said Coach Sprinkle in the post game press conference. “I’m just really proud of their effort & the response they had coming off the Colorado State game.”

Player Spotlights

San Diego State F-Jaedon LeDee

Stat line: 23 points & 6 rebounds on 8-13 (61.5%) from the floor & 7-9 (77.7%) from the line in 33 minutes of action

You can’t say LeDee didn’t bring his A-Game to the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum Tuesday night. Accounting for over a third of his team’s offensive production as the Aztec’s attempted to keep up with the second highest scoring team in the conference (80.1 PPG).

His consistent scoring is a big part of the reason why the Aztecs were able to hang around until the final buzzer. It wasn’t enough to help his squad secure the road win but LeDee continues to make his case for All-American Honors.

Utah State G–Darius Brown II

Stat line: 25 points, 4 rebounds, & 2 assists on 8-13 (61.5%) shooting from the floor, including 5-9 (55.5%) from deep in an impressive 39 minutes of action

Brown II left everything on the floor Tuesday night, only missing one minute of action as the offensive threat Danny Sprinkle couldn’t afford to leave on the bench for a single minute longer. As the Aztecs created continuous defensive spurts to keep their hosts within arms reach, not all of Utah State’s usual offensive weapons were firing.

In comes Brown II, who although has proven himself as a scorer in Logan multiple times this season. Isn’t Utah State’s go-to scorer most nights either. But against the Aztecs he flourished, especially from beyond the arc. His game high 25 points were the difference maker for his squad tonight.

Three Takeaways:

  • Both sides plaid to their advantages on Tuesday night. The Aztecs were able to slow the Aggies down at times, but those defensive stops came in spurts. Which was what the high scoring offense of Utah State needed to pull the “upset”. It may not have been a nail biter but the Aggies showed up and handled their business. Further feeding into the legend that is Danny Sprinkle in Logan.
  • San Diego State didn’t come into this one with the offensive firepower capable of outscoring the Aggies. Yes they had LeDee & some other players certainly capable of scoring, but they excel when they can strongarm their opponent defensively. Utah State simply made more shots, not a bad loss for San Diego State but indicative of the Mountain West gauntlet.
  • Utah State took sole possession of first place in the Mountain West with their win Tuesday night. It was an important win, as the Aggies only have four more games in conference play before head to Las Vegas in March. The only truly threatening game left on their schedule is at home against New Mexico in the last game of the regular season. Yes all aspects of that game would likely paint Utah State as the favorites, but this conference championship could be decided by just one game or even a half. So a major win at home against the conference juggernaut was key.

Next Up:

The Aggies get some time off before they head on the road to take on the Bulldogs in Fresno next Tuesday. Justin Hutson’s squad doesn’t necessarily exuberate upset alert this year. But remember any team can win on any given night.

that game tips off on February 27th at 8:00 PM MT and can be seen on the Mountain West Network.

While the Aztecs stay on the road to take a run at Fresno State themselves on Saturday February 24th. San Diego State needs to win every single remaining game on their schedule. Especially with a rematch against Boise State to end the regular season.

Their clash with the Bulldogs can be seen on CBS Sports & tips off at 7:00 PM PT.

Larry Muniz covers college basketball as a writer for Mountain West Wire and WAC Hoops Digest. Also as a co-host of the college basketball podcast “Hoops Talk W/Jay & Larry”. He is also a USWBA Member.

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Jaedon LeDee Helps Lift San Diego St. Past Colorado St., 71-55 At Home

Game Recap: San Diego State 71, Colorado State 55 San Diego State capitalizes on a poor second-half from Colorado State. Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire San Diego State stands tall against visiting Rams, thanks to huge second-half from …

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 Game Recap: San Diego State 71, Colorado State 55

San Diego State capitalizes on a poor second-half from Colorado State.

Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire

San Diego State stands tall against visiting Rams, thanks to huge second-half from Jaedon LeDee.

Both the Aztecs and Rams have experienced high & lows this season. A theme no Mountain West team has evaded thus far. Still, both programs find themselves in a four-way tie for second place, just one game behind league leader Utah State.

The last time these two teams met was on January 30th in Fort Collins. That first win stayed with the hosting Rams, thanks to two twenty point performances from Isaiah Stevens & Nique Clifford. Now fast forward a couple of weeks and both squads are in very similar places. Fighting the juggernaut that is the top-7 or so teams in the Mountain West at the moment.

With only six remaining regular season games to not only help these teams vie for beneficial seeding in the Mountain West Conference Tournament but also boost their chances at at-large bids should things not pan out in Las Vegas, time and winning are of the essence.

The Rams didn’t let a second go to waste. After giving up the first points of the game to a Jaedon LeDee Dunk, Colorado State went on an 14-0 before the Aztecs found their next point. The credit for that run goes to the outstanding three point shooting of Josiah Strong, who made three of Rams four opening three pointers.

The Aztecs needed a few moments but they responded. Chipping away at their visitors lead while Colorado State continued their long distance bombardment inside Viejas Arena. Sending their hosts back to their locker rooms down 44-30 at the half.

Brian Dutcher’s group didn’t necessarily have a bad offensive half. Colorado State simply had a great first half from beyond the arc & the Aztecs didn’t have many free throw opportunities to help fill the gap. While Niko Medved’s squad shot over 50% from the floor (16-28) & from deep (7-14).

San Diego State utilized the break to regroup and come out swinging. With the Aztecs going opening the scoring with a 7-0 run, including 5 straight points from their potential All-American Jaedon LeDee.

Colorado State responded with a 5-0 run of their own to help extend their lead back to double-digits (49-37). After that the Rams went several minutes without a made field goal. Which was enough for LeDee to go to work, scoring his team’s next seven points to add to his already fourteen.

The profound defensive juggernaut that is normally San Diego State held the Rams to just 10 points off of 3-17 shooting in the first thirteen minutes of second-half action. Outrebounding Colorado State 22-5 during that same stretch.

Though it wasn’t until the 9:47 mark that the Aztecs too their first lead of the game with a Jay Pal free throw, putting them up 53-52. San Diego State would slow the game down & rely on knocking down free throws to extend their lead.

Scoring became scarcer for the Rams. With a 7-1 run capped by a Lamont Butler Layup before a media timeout grew the Aztecs’ lead to a whopping fifteen points with 3:39 left in the game.

Both sides went scoreless over the next few minutes as Colorado State found themselves still down by fifteen points with a little over a minute to go. After that Brian Dutcher cleared the bench. Sending his star big man to the bench for the night with 27 points, a whopping 22 of them coming in the second-half.

With that San Diego State secured the 71-55 win at home and took sole possession of second place for the time being. LeDee was joined in the scoring column by two 11 point outings from backcourt members Darrion Trammell & Lamont Butler. While Niko Medved had four rams reach double-figures, with the lone exception being starter Joel Scott. Also receiving little to no help (4 points total) from their bench.

Player Spotlights

Colorado State G-Josiah Strong

Stat line: 14 points, 2 assists on 5-12 (41.6%) from the floor & 3-7 (42.8%) from deep in 29 minutes of action

Strong started things off, well strong for the Rams Tuesday night. Although recruited as a scoring sharpshooter, Strong has struggled with his rhythm & injuries during his time in Fort Collins. His three made 3-pointers were a season high and his most since transferring from Illinois State back in 2022.

It’s hard to highlight a good first-half performance after a nearly completely absent second-half (3 points, 1-6 shooting, 0-3 from deep). But let’s look for the silver lining Rams fans.

San Diego State F–Jaedon LeDee

Stat line: 27 points & 6 rebounds on 10-14 (46.6%) shooting from the floor, including 7-11 (63.6%) from the line in 26 minutes of action

After beginning the season averaging 26.8 PPG & 10.6 RPG over the Aztec’s first five games. LeDee placed his name in contention for national award watch lists. Not to say that reputation has dimmed over the course of the season, I mean the 6-9 big man hasn’t failed to reach double-digit scoring not once the entire season. Not to mention his current season averages of 20.0 PPG & 8.6 RPG thanks to his 54.9% field goal percentage.

But, his effectiveness to not only dominant a game but help his team win one came into question after San Diego State dropped four games since conference play began. None of that came into LeDee’s head on Tuesday night. As his team emerged from half-time down by 14 points, he went to work. Scoring 22 of his 27 points all in the second half and shooting an impressive 8-11 (72.7%) while doing it.

I can’t see the Aztecs winning so comfortably without that second-half dominance. Which could be extremely useful going forward in San Diego State’s remaining six regular season games.

Three Takeaways:

  • San Diego State made a comeback that came with a side of defensive stalwart that only the Aztecs could have made. It spoke to the always dangerous program that Brian Dutcher has continued to mold since taking over. It made for must see Mountain West TV while kicking off what turned out to be an exciting night for basketball in the conference.
  • Colorado State shot lights out in the first half. It’s always hard to keep offensive momentum going after a half-time break. Which, combined with the Aztec’s infamous defense, led way to a horrendous second-half performance inside Viejas Arena. As ugly as this loss became, it doesn’t spell doom for the Rams. There are plenty of other opportunities to help climb themselves up the conference ladder & better build their Tournament resume.
  • With the Aztecs win, the conference race was better defined Tuesday night. Gone was a huge four way tie for second place. And with it San Diego State helped further solidify their place as a top-3 finish team in this league.

Next Up:

The Aztecs will stay in San Diego to end their two game homestand against longtime conference rivals New Mexico. The Lobos won the first leg of this series back in Albuquerque on January 13th. That 88-70 loss came at the hands of a red hot New Mexico squad. Since then Richard Pitino’s squad has succumbed to the gauntlet that is the Mountain West.

Regardless of previous games, any team can win on any given night, so Viejas arena needs to show up to help avenge their loss at home last season to New Mexico. That rare Friday night game will tip-off at 7:00 PM PT and can be seen on FS1.

While Colorado State returns home to defend Moby Arena against league leaders Utah State on Saturday February 17th. Aside from being the feel good story of the year, the Aggies are a dangerously good team.

But the Rams gave them a run for their money last time out in Logan, so stay tuned for what could be the marquee game on Saturday.That game tips off at 3:30 PM MT and can be seen on the CBS Sports Network.

Larry Muniz covers college basketball as a writer for Mountain West Wire and WAC Hoops Digest. Also as a co-host of the college basketball podcast “Hoops Talk W/Jay & Larry”. He is also a USWBA Member.

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MWC Basketball Quick Hitters: Wednesday January 30th Results

MWC Basketball Quick Hitters: Tuesday January 30th Results Colorado State defends Moby Arena against visiting Aztecs. Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire Colorado State drives MWC narrative further with home win over San Diego State, Wyoming …

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MWC Basketball Quick Hitters: Tuesday January 30th Results

Colorado State defends Moby Arena against visiting Aztecs.

Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire

Colorado State drives MWC narrative further with home win over San Diego State, Wyoming gets road win & Danny Sprinkle owns 100th win.

Conference action was in full swing Tuesday night with four matchups around the Mountain West. With a marquee lacking the heavy hitting & nationally televised battles fans are craving for as we approach February.

Tuesday night felt light on the high stakes matchups but was filled with pure Mountain West basketball. Though there were some surprises & milestones to highlight.

Wyoming 83, Air Force 72 

Wyoming have made Arena-Auditorium a fortress this season. Posting a respectable 8-1 at home. They haven’t found that success on the road just yet, posting an 0-8 record on the road & or neutral court games. The Cowboys were looking for their first road win of the season as they traveled south to face Air Force inside Clune Arena. While Air Force was hoping to defend their home court & secure their second conference win.

Joe Scott has plenty of firepower in Colorado Springs this year, but in an everchanging Mountain West, it takes more than just scorers to steal a conference win. Someone didn’t tell sophomore Kellan Boylan that. Who out shot Wyoming’s D-II transfer Akuel Kot (12 1st half points, 2-3 3FGs) enroute to surpassing his career high in the first twenty minutes of gameplay (16 points, 4-7 3FGS).

“Our game plan was we were going to let 23 hit some shots, and did he do that, I was a little bit pissed in the first half, but we got it back.” Brendan Wenzel told the Caspar Star Tribune.

The second half was much of the same from Boylan. But unlike Wyoming who had two more players score double figures in the second-half. Outscoring their hosts 49-36, and achieving a milestone within the program, their first road win.

The Wyoming win placed the Cowboys in a tie for 4th place with San Diego State. A position for which the gauntlet style of the Mountain West this year can explain. As other teams lose, Jeff Linder and company seem to be figuring some things out in Laramie.

Jeff Linder had three separate players log 20+ points in Colorado Springs. Brendan Wenzel with a team high 25 points, Akuel Kot with 20 points & 5 assists & 22 points & 7 rebounds from Mason Walters. The Cowboys shot 63.2% from deep, behind a barrage of 10-15 made shots from Wenzel & Kot.

While the Falcons did their best to keep the win in Colorado. With three players in double-figures but a monster night from Kellan Boylan. Who dropped a career high 32 points off of 11-16 shooting (68.7%) from the floor and a whopping 9-14 (64.2%) from down town.

Mason Walters return has a lot to do with that, but still, I can’t see too many teams excited to face Wyoming for the remainder of conference play. As an esteemed member of the Mountain West online community phrased it, “Laramie is where the six bid Mountain West goes to die”.

No. 17 Utah State 82, San Jose State 61

The Aggies came in Tuesday as one of the toughest teams in the nation. In sole possession of first place in the Mountain West and an AP top-25 ranking for the fourth week in a row. While San Jose State is seeking their second win in conference play.

Both teams find themselves on opposite ends of the standings, but that doesn’t matter. Tim Miles group traveled west to Logan, for a potential road upset to talk about for years to come.

It was a tall task, one maybe too tall for the Spartans on Tuesday night. As things started off well, staying neck and neck with their hosts while exchanging buckets & exchanging the lead several times. They’d go into the half only down by single digits (37-30).

The Aggies separated themselves from their visitors in the second-half. A problem the Spartans have dealt with all conference slate, losing steam after half-time. They cut the lead to as low as five, before an 11-0 Aggie run just before the 18:10 mark was the buffer needed to extend that lead and eventually stomp out their opponent.

It wasn’t necessarily San Jose State’s fault either, Great Osobor had a big night with 31 points & 7 rebounds off of 9-15 shooting (32.3%) & 13-19 free throws. Joining him was Ian Martinez, who has been lights out late. Shooting 100% from the field on Tuesday, including 4-4 from deep. Not to mention Darius Brown II’s third double-double on the year, 11 points & 10 rebounds.

The Spartans struggled to generate any sort of offense. Shooting 39.3% from the floor, 21.7% from deep and only 10 free throw opportunities, they were simply outgunned Tuesday night. They still managed double figures from their backcourt, Myron Amey Jr. had 14 points & 7 rebounds & Alvaro Cardenas chipped in 11 points & 5 assists.

Danny Sprinkle’s group did a great job of taking care of the Spartans at home. They may have been favored but San Jose State has the players to light it up any given night. With the Aggies taking care business at home on Tuesday, they can now focus their sights on a visit to sunny San Diego on Saturday to display their dominance over Mountain West royalty.

No. 24 Colorado State 79, San Diego State 71

Colorado State played host to maybe the biggest Mountain West game on the docket Tuesday night. A top-half standings clash between the Rams and the visiting San Diego State Aztecs. Both teams were predestined for a place atop the Mountain West back in October.

But both programs have struggled in conference play thus far. Posting checkered conference records with quality wins along with quality losses. Tuesday night was a chance at another one of those quality wins for both sides, but that’s not how the game is played is it.

Colorado State was feeling it early, taking advantage from a possibly jet lagged San Diego State squad, by taking the early 21-7 lead midway through the first-half. The Aztecs in turn took advantage of the Rams cold hand after that, using a 10-2 run to attempt to make things closer before the half.

Colorado State was able to extend their lead to thirteen before going into half-time. Which may have been just what was needed to hold off a strong San Diego State second-half (42-42 scored).

The Rams shooting wasn’t pretty across the board, but a very respectable 53.8% from the floor and a positive assist to turnover ratio (1.8:1) gave them the edge. Not to mention stellar defensive play on the perimeter (11 steals, 9 by backcourt players).

Niko Medved’s group was led by 20 point performances from Nique Clifford & Isaiah Stevens. With Joel Scott (15 points) & Josiah Strong (10 points) playing a key supportive role. Clifford’s stat line on the night was all over the place, with 10 rebounds, 5 assists, & 4 steals to go along with his 20 point performance.

While the Aztecs had three players reach double figures in Reece Waters (17 points), Lamont Butler (16 points) & All-American candidate Jaedon LeDee (13 points). LeDee’s dip in production over his last three games (14.3 PPG during this time) is beginning to effect his teams ability to win. It’s not all up to him, but for a team renowned for their defense, there aren’t many other options on the roster who can make up for that drop.

This conference is brutal. That is all. Is something I could have said given the Ram’s 8-point win over the visiting Aztecs Tuesday night. Colorado State hasn’t had the easiest time in conference play thus far.

Sitting in fifth place with a .500 record, holding quality wins over red hot New Mexico & now San Diego State. But their win over Brian Dutcher’s squad is just another testament to what we’ve been saying all month long, “Any team. Any given night”.

UNLV 78, Fresno State 69

It was the 40th anniversary of the Thomas & Mack Center Tuesday night. Kevin Kruger’s Runnin’ Rebels are trying to build on their road win in San Jose over the weekend in hopes of breaking into the conference’s top-half. While Justin Hutson’s Bulldogs are using every game as an opportunity to dig themselves out of the conference’s basement.

Fresno State has some pieces to make a run at a amid-table position come February’s end. like their near 7-foot duo of Enouch Boake & Eduardo Boayke down low. Along with a veteran backcourt trio who combined bring over twelve years of Mountain West experience every night. But would it be enough to ruin UNLV’s anniversary celebration?

The Runnin’ Rebels took an early lead, thanks to a 10-0 run that went unanswered for the first four minutes of play. UNLV didn’t let up, maintaining a double-digit lead for majority of the first half. That cushion turned into a 37-28 lead heading into the half.

That lead kept the Runnin’ Rebels in the lead for the rest of the game. Even as Fresno State crept back up to shrink the lead to just one with an Enoch Boakye dunk at the 10:56 mark. A ensuing 9-0 UNLV run created the winning margin and the nail in Fresno State’s tires. Kevin Kruger’s group was able to win 78-69 on their 40th Anniversary night.

Both squads utilized short benches Tuesday night. Albeit with plenty of production from their starters. UNLV was led by Kalib Boone with 15 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists & 3 blocks as the game’s stat sheet stuffer. His sharpshooting brother logged 15 points & 13 rebounds.

For the Bulldogs, it was transfer big man Enoch Boakye with his second straight double double (16 points & 10 rebounds), his third on the year. Fresno State also had contributions from Xavier Dusell (14 points), Isaiah Pope (15 points) & Isaiah Hill with a near double double 12 points & 9 assists.

The loss makes the gap between Nevada and the three teams in the bottom half of the standings that much bigger. While UNLV was able to tie with No. 24 Colorado State in the 5th place space with .500 records in conference play.

Current MWC Standings

1-No. 18 Utah State 7-1, 19-2

2-No. 25 New Mexico 6-2, 18-3

3-Boise State 5-2, 14-6

4-San Diego State 5-3, 16-5

4-Wyoming 5-3, 12-9

5-No. 24 Colorado State 4-4, 16-5

5-UNLV 4-4, 11-9

6-Nevada 3-4, 16-5

7-Fresno State 2-6, 9-12

8-San Jose State 1-7, 8-13

8-Air Force 1-7, 8-12

Larry Muniz covers college basketball as a writer for Mountain West Wire and WAC Hoops Digest. Also as a co-host of the college basketball podcast “Hoops Talk W/Jay & Larry”. He is also a USWBA Member.

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SJSU basketball nearly upsets No. 19 San Diego State

SJSU basketball nearly upsets No. 19 San Diego State, 81-78.

SJSU basketball offered glimpses of greatness

SJSU basketball nearly upsets No. 19 San Diego State

Follow @Mattweiner20 & @MWCwire

Was SJSU’s near upset a sign better times lay ahead?

Following a 81-78 near upset over No. 19 San Diego State, SJSU head coach Tim Miles opined on the concept of “frustration.” 

“A situation like this, it really comes down to frustration. Like, ‘how do you handle frustration? Do you let it suck the life out of you?’” Miles reflected. “ … Or use it to make yourself stronger and more resilient.”

This is why when looking back at the SDSU (14-2, 3-0) loss, Spartan fans should be encouraged. SJSU was dealt several frustrating moments. And yet, despite playing a team far more talented, it ended up being one blocked lay up at the end of regulation away by Trey Anderson from going to overtime. 

Furthermore, this came in a game where SJSU (7-9, 0-3) was fresh off two frustrating losses. Still, it never let a couple poor possessions turn into an avalanche of disappointment against an SDSU on pace to make another deep run in the NCAA tournament.

Following Miles’ press conference, SJSU guards MJ Amey (20 points) and Alvaro Cardenas (21 points) sat side-by-side and voiced a disdain for using Tuesday as a moral victory. 

“We feel like we are capable of winning every game,” Cardenas said. 

And to a certain extent, Cardenas is right. 

Prior to the SDSU loss, SJSU squandered a 17-point lead to Wyoming and a nine-point lead to Boise State. Both losses to BSU and SDSU came in similar fashion: the inability to stop a power forward. 

Last Saturday, it was the Broncos’ O’mar Stanley who went for 30 points and 11 rebounds and Tuesday it was SDSU’s Jaedon Ledee, who went for 31 points and 10 rebounds. 

This why it’s essential for SJSU to make strides in the NIL space. It appears the Spartans are a dominant frontcourt away from winning games against the upper echelon of the conference. 

The Spartans were outrebounded 37-28, outscored in the paint 38-24 and outscored on second chance opportunities 18-9. 

SJSU center Adrame Diongue and power forwards Diogo “DJ” Seixas and William Humer are all in a transitional phase and just aren’t ready to take that next leap to compete with elite big men. 

“We are mismatched inside,” Miles said. 

Now, considering the several departures from last year’s Final Four squad, some may be surprised at SDSU’s continued domination. 

That’s where Ledee comes in. 

From last season to this one, he has nearly tripled his points total – from 7.9 points to 21.4 – and lifted his rebound total from 5.3 to 8.7. Earlier this year, SDSU head coach Brian Ducher told the San Diego Union Tribune that “He could have probably gotten a lot more NIL (money) somewhere else.”

So why did he choose to stay? It’s simple. He’d flourish at SDSU in ways he wouldn’t at any other school. SDSU’s culture and system is just that stellar. So now Ledee can leverage that into premier post-career opportunities. 

With Golden State Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy in attendance, Ledee illustrated his prowess. 

Unlike Ducher in this NIL era, Miles has to establish his own system and culture. If SJSU plays like it did against SDSU that era is coming sooner than later. 

Which is why it’s imperative for SJSU to not waste the momentum from Tuesday. Cardenas, Amey, Anderson (11 points) and Tibet Gorener (15 points) all finished in double figures. Plus, it turned the ball over just 10 times. There’s unquestionable evidence that SJSU is capable of doing much more than its record indicates. 

Although, that does hinge upon SJSU capitalizing on the momentum from Thursday in its next two games – this Saturday at Air Force and next Tuesday at Fresno State. Back-to-back wins could give the Spartans the momentum they need to have a legitimate shot at reaching that prized .500 overall record which would give them eligibility for the CBI. 

“I mean you just gotta finish games – that’s it,” chuckled Amey.

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Mountain West Basketball: 2023-2024 Conference Schedule Announced

With a little over a month on the ole college basketball countdown tracker, entities around the sport continue to release 2023-24 schedules.

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MWC Basketball: 2023-2024 Conference Schedule Announced

A first look at this year’s conference slate.

Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire

The 2023-2024 Mountain West Conference schedule release.

With a little over a month on the ole college basketball countdown tracker, entities around the sport are almost done releasing conference, non-conference & multi-team event participation for the 2023-2024 season.

The announcement also came with this season’s national T.V. schedule. With the hype earned from San Diego State’s Cinderella run to the National Championship game this past March. There will likely be more eyes on the Mountain West than ever before. And as in years past fans around the conference as well as newcomers gained from the big dance can catch their favorite team on CBS & Fox outlets.

This season each team will play nine home games & make nine away games. As of now, league play kicks off on January 2nd, when New Mexico heads north to Fort Collins to take on Colorado State.

CBS

The first game on CBS will be on November 29th when Colorado State hosts in-state rival Colorado on CBS Sports Network. This will be the first of over forty-nine televised games across CBS and CBS Sports Network.

A key date to circle on the CBS broadcast calendar should be UNLV at National Championship runner up San Diego State on Saturday, January 6th. Another matchup to look forward to will be the Aztecs at league rival New Mexico on Saturday, January 13th. Both games between these two conference foes last season made for must-watch TV, we can look forward to much of the same with revamped rosters on both sides.

A last matchup of note will be between conference title contenders San Diego State and Boise State. This showdown of Mountain West heavy weights airs on CBS Saturday, January 20th.

Not to mention all games airing on CBS are also accessible via stream on Paramount+.

FOX

On the Fox side of things, thirty-two games will be televised nationally. The first FS1 broadcast is a non-conference meeting featuring Cal State Fullerton at San Diego State on Monday November 6th. Among the key conference games to catch on FOX is Utah State at San Diego State on Saturday, February 3rd.

As with CBS & Paramount+ all games on FS1 will also be available on the FOX Sports App and FOXSports.com.

But for those without access to any of CBS or Fox’s outlets, don’t worry. All other games will be broadcast on the Mountain West Network.

Important Dates

-January 2nd-League play begins with five contests

-March 9th-Regular Season Concludes

-The 2024 tournament will take place March 13th-16th

March Madness

CBS Sports will televise the Mountain West Basketball Championship as in years past. The quarterfinals & semifinals will air on the CBS sports Network. With the championship game televised on CBS (as well as Paramount+) on Saturday March 16th.

This is an exciting time around the Mountain West Conference. For the last year or so it appeared that the upcoming season was going to be the conference’s last hurrah. But as predictable yet at the same time unpredictable as conference realignment machine can be, here we are.

So with fresh eyes aplenty, rejuvenated fanbases throughout and a raised ceiling by San Diego State, fans this season should be excited to say the least.

Larry Muniz covers college basketball as a writer for Mountain West Wire and WAC Hoops Digest. Also as a co-host of the college basketball podcast “Hoops Talk W/Jay & Larry”. He is also a USWBA Member.

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San Diego State lands USC transfer Reese Dixon-Waters

Reese Dixon-Waters becomes the latest #Pac12 transfer to join the #Aztecs. He will try to do what Matt Bradley did for the program.

Reese Dixon-Waters has transferred out of the Pac-12, but maybe not for long. He did not transfer to another state or even to another part of the state of California.

Dixon-Waters is staying in Southern California, but he is traveling south to San Diego. RDW has chosen the San Diego State Aztecs as his transfer destination after entering the portal.

Last season, Reese Dixon-Waters was USC’s third-leading scorer. The sophomore didn’t shoot brilliantly, but he was the Trojans’ most reliable bench player. He held together the lineup whenever Andy Enfield had to look for other options to steal minutes.

The Pac-12’s Sixth Man of the Year averaged 9.8 points per game for the Trojans last season; he will have two years of eligibility remaining at San Diego State.

The 6-foot-5, 210-pound guard was rated a top 50 recruit coming out of St. Bernard High in San Diego. He skipped his senior season to enroll at USC early during the semester break, playing the back half of the 2020-21 season abbreviated by the pandemic. That qualifies him for an extra year of eligibility, meaning he has two years left. Because he is a first-time transfer, he can play immediately.

Dixon-Waters arrived at USC as a four-star prospect. He was ranked No. 77 nationally, No. 11 at shooting guard, and No. 11 in the state of California in the Class of 2020.

It will be fascinating to see if San Diego State is invited into the Pac-12. RDW could return to the conference, but not in time to play USC. The Trojans will be off to the Big Ten before that might potentially happen.

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Charles Barkley wore a big, goofy cowboy hat during UConn-SDSU pregame coverage

Charles Barkley wore a big, goofy cowboy hat ahead of the men’s NCAA tournament championship.

Charles Barkley sported quite the hat while discussing Monday night’s 2023 men’s NCAA tournament championship.

With the anticipated clash between Connecticut and San Diego State taking place in Houston, Texas, Barkley wore a big, red cowboy hat while co-hosting the CBS pregame show.

“You’ve got a 10-gallon hat with a 20-gallon head,” Barkley’s longtime co-host Kenny Smith joked during the segment.

Barkley has never shied away from his sillier side, and this national championship headwear certainly honored the grand spirit of the Lone Star State. Plus, it was just downright hilarious.

You know, we all win with big, goofy cowboy hats!

Big hats are always funny, and they’ve recently been popularized with professional athletes.

Barkley has taken the big hat trend and added the Texas spin to it, and you can bet that big, goofy cowboy hat sales will soar now with this kind of national exposure!

Well, maybe not, but if you’ve got the confidence to pull one of those off, you certainly deserve a tip of the cap.