Whenever the Aztecs take on the Bulldogs in any sport, let alone basketball, you know it’s about to get ugly. Wednesday night these two went ugly early in the Aztecs first true road game of the season.
San Diego State claimed an emphatic victory over the Fresno State Bulldogs in their Mountain West Conference opener at the Save Mart Center. The Aztecs, ranked 24th nationally, demonstrated their right to be voted so high with a commanding 84-62 win, bolstered by stellar performances from several key players.
It was the ‘Magoon Gwath game’ as the redshirt freshman forward led the charge for SDSU with his first career double-double night, a career-high 25 points and 10 rebounds. Gwath was particularly efficient, shooting 10 for 13 from the field, 3-for-4 from beyond the arc and controlling the paint on both ends of the court.
His dominant play helped San Diego State secure crucial scoring runs in both halves, creating a comfortable lead they maintained throughout the game. On defense, his two blocks added to his season total while bringing his average up to 4.0 per game.
For perspective, the Aztecs record for blocked shots in a single season is 91, by SDSU all-time blocked shots leader, Skylar Spencer in 2015. He averaged 2.5/game. If Gwath can continue his average he would only need to play in 23 games at that rate to break the record Spencer set over a 36-game season.
Guard Miles Byrd coming off a fantastic stretch of games at the Players Era Festival, added a significant contribution with nine points and ten rebounds, ensuring the Aztecs controlled the glass and pace of the game.
Though the aforementioned beginning of the game was ugly to watch with both teams shooting just 1 of 13 shots to start, San Diego State set the tone early. By using a strong 12-4 scoring run midway through the first half to build an advantage—by halftime, the Aztecs led 29-24, thanks to their defensive pressure and efficient ball movement.
Then they pulled away decisively in the second half, outscoring Fresno State 55-38. Everyone got in on the action as the team’s bench also provided a spark. Showcasing SDSU’s depth and versatility with contributors like Pharoah Compton, Taj DeGourville, and Demarshay Johnson Jr. helped control the game to the very end.
Fresno State’s efforts were spearheaded by forward Mykell Robinson, who finished with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Despite his game, the Bulldogs struggled to find consistency against SDSU’s trademark defense and excellent transition offense.
Foul trouble further hampered Fresno State, with multiple players fouling out as they attempted to counter the Aztecs’ aggressive play.
This win marks an important start to conference play for San Diego State, solidifying their position as a favorite in the Mountain West. Head coach Brian Dutcher praised the team’s defensive intensity and ability to execute in high-pressure situations, a hallmark of SDSU basketball.
With this victory, the Aztecs move forward with momentum, eyeing their next matchup at home against cross town rival the USD Torreros. The team’s balanced offensive output and lockdown defense continue to make them a formidable contender as they aim for another NCAA tournament appearance.
Side Notes:
Creighton’s victory over 1 ranked Kansas will certainly boost San Diego State’s own ranking, with the Aztecs dominating the Blue Jays just a little over a week ago. Keep an eye out on just how many spots that transitive win can mean for the Aztecs, if they can come away with the win this Saturday vs USD.
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