Three things to watch as San Diego State puts their true colors on the line

Lessons are usually learned in loss. The Aztecs were fortunate enough to learn theirs lessons last week through victory.

The miracle buzzer beater against lowly Air Force last week just might have been the wake-up call needed for this young Aztecs team. Their first response after such an emotional game was made by dominating Nevada on the road—a game SDSU has usually struggled in.

Now they must harness that momentum and bring it home as they host San Jose State, Tuesday evening at Viejas Arena. Tip-of time is now scheduled for 7:30pm PST and can be watched on television via FS1.

Here are three things to look for when San Diego State tries to extend their win streak to three games with a win over the Spartans.

Leveling the Competition

Coming into game #19 this year there’s no escaping the fact that these Aztecs most times play up or down to their level of competition. How else can you explain the close call against Air Force?

If there’s one thing this Mountain West madness of a season has revealed is that this conference is completely cannibalistic. Anyone can be beaten on any given week.

We’ve seen this play out already with UNLV taking down Utah State, only for UNLV to get taken down by Wyoming. These incoming San Jose State Spartans continue as the only team to take down 1st place New Mexico.

The Aztecs cannot come out with a lethargic gameplan against these Spartans—especially after the whirlwind week they’ve just had.

This is Sparta

Ok, so who to look out for tonight wearing the blue & yellow uniforms with the é accent mark over their school’s name, San José? Josh Uduje the 6’5″ guard out of London, England is the no brainer. The transfer in from Utah State was Named the Mountain West Sixth Man of the Year last season and is currently leading the Spartans in scoring at 15.6 per game.

But I would offer up a different player to focus in on. Robert Vaihola, Center. Standing at 6’8″ but weighing in at 260 lbs, Robert is a load. He only averages just under 9 points per game and grabs 7 rebounds per as well, but he has the ability to physically impose his will.

Against New Mexico Vaihola was able to lead the way with 18 points and 9 boards in that stunning upset. Now he did give up 20 points to his big man opponent Nelly Junior Joseph, but the Aztecs don’t tend to run their offense through their bigs on the post.

It will definitely be something to see if the Aztecs can attack the paint and play as physically intense as they did against Nevada.

Red IN

I know what you’re thinking. Not the infamous red uniforms again. Well guess what? The red uniforms are making their return for the 3rd time this season and 2nd time at home.

Are you scared? Well put on your big boy shorts and grow-up ball boy.

I just don’t understand the fear behind wearing the all red unis. I mean I get it—they underachieved with them on against Air Force and they seem to struggle against inferior competition with them on. But we all remember the miracle 3-point shot by Malachi Flynn against San Jose State right?

It felt like he rained down that game winner from the Viejas rafters, sinking any chance the Spartans had of an upset back in that special season of 2020. At least that’s what it looked like to me from all the way up in the cheap seats.

But that’s the point, regardless of the level of competition the Aztecs have won with those reds and in exciting fashion. Besides they look awesome—Way too awesome not to put these babies on.

The throwback style of the 90’s era Chicago Bulls is an amazingly clean, traditional, and natural fit to the Aztecs red & black style. The iconic look made famous by one Michael Jordan even sports his branded jumpman insignia. To not take advantage of these every chance you get would be a crime.

Bottom line this team is willing to put their necks out on the line over it. They don’t care about your superstition and they obviously want you to know about it.

Now stop your bellyaching.

This young Aztecs team is not your Aztecs of the past. At this point they’ve probably pissed you off so much with all of their inconsistencies you’ve considered throwing in the towel, maybe a dozen times if you’ve been lucky.

But they’ve also brought so much fun and excitement in their youthful exuberance. Their incoming recruitment pedigree and early season successes have set their expectations up high for all Aztec nation to see. Now as we get closer to March it’s time to also begin to believe—even if your wiser & more intellectual basketball self warns you against it.

Tuesday night San Diego State 13-5 (6-3) hosts in state opponent San Jose State 10-11 (3-6). Tip-off time has now been moved up to 7:30pm and can be viewed on FS1.