San Diego State (18–6, 12–2) vs Grand Canyon (16–9, 9-5).
Date: February 17 2026
Tip-off: 7:05 pm PST.
Television: Nationally on CBS Sports Network
Betting odds: SDSU -8.5 | over/under total: 138.5
Fresh off kicking Nevada in the mouth for the 14th time in a row at Viejas Arena, the San Diego State Aztecs men’s basketball team tips off against the Antelopes of Grand Canyon on Tuesday night. It won’t just be another mid-February game.
For the Aztecs, it’s the first of two payback games in this 2nd leg of the conference season. From a matchup standpoint, three things stand out clearly through our black shades.
GCU Steady
GCU recently dropped two in a row at UNLV and then home against New Mexico. It was uncharacteristic of the way they had been playing and proved 1. they may not be ready for the big time and 2. the Havocs can be beaten at home.
Last weekend they bounced back against the lowly San Jose State Spartans. It was one they had to have and re-gain some confidence. Was it enough to topple over the Aztecs on the road in Viejas Arena?
The guard play of Jaden Henley wasn’t the main factor when it came to SDSU’s loss in Phoenix last month. But he’s been consistently good this season. They will need a big time performance from him if they want to sweep the season series and put a colossal mix to the Mountain West championship race.
Aztecs Defense
Under Brian Dutcher, SDSU’s identity hasn’t wavered. The Aztecs win with length on the perimeter, disciplined rotations, and an ability to turn games into rock fights.
Grand Canyon is comfortable playing with pace and confidence at home, which they did espectially well the first time against SDSU. The Lopes guards got downhill early and often into the paint against the Aztecs. But SDSU’s ability to shrink the floor, force late-clock possessions with their perimeter defense needs to step up this time. The key will be for SDSU’s bigs to contest without fouling. Do that and there gives SDSU the edge.
The Aztecs don’t just defend shots, they take away first and second options and dare opponents to execute perfectly for 25 seconds. Last Saturday they held Nevada to their lowest total points of the season. That’s how good SDSU is playing defense right now. That total team pressure is a general advantage few mid-major programs can compare to.
Magoon Again
Magoon Gwath is back for the Aztecs. Gone is the clunky knee brace and somber presence. In is the enthusiasm, smiles and dominant play we’ve all been hoping to see again.
His first game back on Saturday against Nevada was special. 13 points, 3 three pointers, 5 blocks and all in just 13 minutes. Perhaps his best ball of the season—no doubt.
Tuesday night comes a different challenge however. GCU has seven footers—big guys who are going to try and muscle up and bang around the Aztecs front court. How does Dutcher & co. dictate Magoon’s second game back?
The Nevada defense looked sluggish, at times lost trying to find Gwath on the court only for him to tuck away in the corner and nail three pointers. That’s likely not going to be the case again against GCU.
The other front court mates of Miles Heide, Jeremiah Oden, Pharaoh Compton must bring the energy tonight on the glass and on the blocks. Providing physical but foul free contributions in their allotted minutes will determine a lot how SDSU can freely play Magoon.
Conclusion
In short, this game shapes up as a classic strength-versus-variance battle. San Diego State holds the general edge in defensive identity and physical control. Can Grand Canyon counter with hot three point shooting again? Not likely.
For the Aztecs, the formula remains simple: defend without fouling, own the glass, and make this game feel uncomfortable for 40 minutes.
Discover more from
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
