San Diego State took a big step forward on Saturday in their pursuit of reaching their full potential this season. The Aztecs 77-66 win over the Colorado Buffaloes raised their record to 2-0 and also earned a big victory in their non-conference schedule.
The Bill Walton Classic at San Diego’s Pechanga Arena provided the setting for SDSU to win over a Big12 opponent. With tie dye all over the atmosphere, and Walton’s memory on everyone’s minds, it was fitting this game would play out like a throwback tune for the Aztecs—a defensive tune that would make Bill smile from ear to ear.
SDSU locked up Colorado in the first half 35-17, with everyone buckling down defensively. But it was only the foul trouble that challenged the Aztecs pretty early as Bear Cherry sat often picking up quick defensive fouls. Good thing the flow of the game began with a lid on the basket for Colorado.
On the day SDSU shot 49% from the field, 53% from behind the three point line knocking down 8 of 15. Once again the Aztecs were active from the free throw line besting Colorado for 74% on 23-31 attempts.
Colorado on the other hand shot just 37% from the field, 36% from behind the three point line on 9 of 25 shots, and just hit 15 of 25 makes from the free throw line.
With all those misses a big factor in the game were the Aztecs ability to dominate the boards, out rebounding Colorado 38-27.
But it was Chance Gladden who stole the show on the day. The sophomore transfer notched 20 points on 4 of 5 shooting and 10 of 11 makes at the free throw line. His 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals all tells the story of just how well rounded of a game he had.
Often times Gladden was backing down his opponent around the key, showing his physicality against a noticeably lesser Colorado team.
Another Aztec to show off that toughness was Latrell Davis. Davis in just his second game for SDSU scored 18 total points on 6 of 12 shots, including 4 of 6 from the 3 point land.
Davis as usual was his bully self, taking the ball and attacking the rim with force. When he wasn’t streaking to the basket he was knocking down the long ball and always at meaningful time for SDSU when searching for a basket in stretches.
One real attribute, of the many that Davis brings to this team, is just a relentless willingness to score. His ability to get to the hoop and push the action keeps opposing defenses on their toes. It really stands out.
On the whole it was a very balanced performance for SDSU. Several players were just shy of reaching double digit scoring including; Tae Simmons 9 points, Bear Cherry 8 points, Elzie Harrington 8 points, and Isaiah Sy with 8 points.
Other notable performances were the minutes played in the first half by Luca Vincini. The big man came off the bench during the stretches Bear Cherry was unavailable and he held his own defensively, as well as grabbing 7 rebounds.
For Colorado they were led by Barrington Hargress and his 33 points. The point guard shot 11-20 overall with 5 of 8 from behind the 3 point line. Hargress helped fuel a spirited 2nd half performance that saw the Buffaloes close the gap a bit at times.
It was a ball dominant performance that was to be expected, but the supporting cast just wan’t enough to get ahead of the Aztecs solid performance.
Overall SDSU held control from start to finish, shared the ball very well, and could have extended the final score much deeper had they not allowed 20 total turnovers and several missed opportunities.
Up next for SDSU is a home game this Wednesday, November 11th vs Bethune Cookman. Tip off is schedule for 2pm PST at Viejas Arena.
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