The Matchup: Aztecs vs. Spartans
On a chilly Tuesday night at the Provident Credit Union Event Center, the San Diego State Aztecs squared off against the San José State Spartans. The Aztecs, coming off a season of ups and downs, appeared ready to assert their dominance in the Mountain West.
A Game of Runs
The game kicked off with a 10-0 run by the Aztecs, an igniter for their offensive firepower. But the Spartans were not about to be pushed aside, executing a 9-0 run of their own shortly after, keeping the contest tight. As the first half progressed, the Aztecs displayed remarkable team balance; all 11 players contributed with at least one field goal and every player grabbed at least two rebounds.
“Balance was the key tonight,” said Aztecs coach. “It's about team effort, and we saw that across the board.”
Davis Takes Charge
In the second half, BJ Davis took it upon himself to change the momentum of the game. Scoring 15 of his 18 points in the closing period, Davis went into full attack mode. He scored 8 consecutive points during a crucial stretch that saw the Aztecs break away from a close 63-59 lead to a more commanding 75-62 advantage.
Alongside him, Pharaoh Compton contributed with 11 points and a team-high six rebounds, while contributions from Miles Byrd and Reese Dixon-Waters solidified the win with four steals and pivotal three-pointers respectively.
Defensive Dominance
The Aztecs' defense was integral to their success, particularly in the game's final minutes. San Diego State held the Spartans to a dismal 2-of-16 shooting in the last 13 minutes. This defensive suffocation was complemented by their recent defensive strategy, which forced SJSU to rely heavily on last-second shots.
“We wanted to put our foot down defensively and we did,” said Aztecs player. “We didn't give them many good looks at the basket.”
A Historic Rivalry
This matchup marked a significant chapter in the long-standing rivalry between the Aztecs and Spartans. With San Diego State capturing 22 wins from their 23 matchups in the Mountain West era, this game further entrenched their dominance.
Looking Ahead
As the Aztecs prepare for their next challenge against the Boise State Broncos on January 3, fans are eager to witness whether BJ Davis can sustain this momentum and how the team continues to gel as a unit. The game will air on CBS Sports Network, bringing Aztecs basketball to viewers far and wide.
For the Spartans, there are lessons to take from this game. Despite their shortcomings, flashes of brilliance displayed by top scorer Colby Garland, who led with 30 points, reminded SJSU of their potential. Now they face the task of building on that as they move forward in the season.
Final Thoughts
It was not a flawless performance by the Aztecs, but the combination of strategy, heart, and late-game prowess led them to victory. As we reflect on this night, it's clear that BJ Davis not only helped seal the game with his scoring spree but also demonstrated what this Aztec team can accomplish when everyone contributes.
Source reference: https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/davis-leads-closing-charge-aztecs-054143634.html
