Just like last season the Aztecs could not handle the New Mexico Lobos on their home court. Not many can. Greater Aztec teams have failed that test before and have come out on the other side better for it. Tonight Brian Dutcher’s team will take their first step after having that experience under their belt.
The Colorado State Rams come to Viejas Arena Tuesday night for an 8pm PST tip-off against the Aztecs. Last season the teams split their season series with each holding home court and in emphatic blow-out fashion.
Coming off of a loss and bouncing back with a victory bodes well for the Aztecs. SDSU has won 34 out of 38 games when following such. But this game presents several different interesting aspects that may help or hinder the Aztecs being successful. Here are a few things to keep in mind if the Aztecs are to continue that terrific trend.
Both teams are in position to be in the top quadrant of the Mountain West standings along with Utah State, New Mexico, and Boise State.
Colorado State 10-6 (4-1) has put together a three game win streak and won five of their last six games coming into their matchup against the Aztecs Tuesday night. Their most recent victory against UNLV was at home, 84-62.
For perspective their 3 wins in a row were by an average of 23.7 points per game. In other words, this Rams team can play and they are playing some very good basketball right now.
With just a few days removed from their embarrassing loss on the road to New Mexico, these young Aztecs must continue that NBA mentality by moving forward after a loss.
For the Aztecs, this game is the third of three in a seven-day span, which started last Wednesday against Air Force. Will their legs show it? Might have to activate much more of the bench than usual in order to spread out the wear & tear. Which wouldn’t be a bad thing to see some Ferrari action once again in front of the home crowd.
Who are these Rams?
Raashan Mbemba the Rams 6’7″ big body of a forward comes in at 250 lbs and is averaging 11.4 points on 74.4% (32-43) shooting over the past seven games. Coming by way of Vienna, Austria Mbemba is reminiscent of former member of the big-boned Ram team, David Roddy—except Mbemba’s just a few inches taller.
Nique Clifford is Colorado State’s big scoring option. Clifford averages just under 17 points per game, 9.9 rebounds, and has a ton of experience as a 5th year guy.
Defense Wins Championships
These Aztecs play defense like their opponent owes them money. As we’ve seen year in and year out the Aztecs bring it on the defensive end. But it’s the offensive end that they have struggled in when they’ve lost a game.
As evidence against New Mexico, Magoon can get his blocks, the team can hold the opponent under 70 points and under their average field goal and 3-point field goal totals, and yet if their own offensive game is struggling it will be all for not.
Stretches of not scoring a basket has plagued this team without a legitimate post presence. In spite of so much talent with the wing players the Aztecs have also failed to take advantage of free throws when the opportunity has been there.
Ball movement must be at a premium focus against the Rams and moving forward to ensure good shots are taken and guys are in good position for offensive rebounds.
We gon’ learn today
Maybe this years Aztecs team wins the Mountain West regular season. Maybe coach Dutcher’s team continues to do what they do best by turning early season lessons into improvement.
Maybe they earn an invite to the big dance with a decent seeding and perhaps like last year they win a few games continuing their post season excellence.
Maybe the rest of the conference keeps banging their heads against the wall failing to get out of the first round.
Maybe none of this happens.
Maybe, maybe, maybe.
Aztecs basketball is all about playing their best by March. With very few Quad-1 opportunities left this season the Aztecs must take advantage of each lower level game they can eat up. But no matter what becomes of this years SDSU men’s basketball team when it’s all said and done—tonight’s game presents a pivotal step towards whichever direction they end up going in.
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