SAN DIEGO – Latrell Davis scored 26 points in SDSU’s victory Wednesday afternoon over Bethune-Cookman, 88-75. Davis who shot 11 of 15 from the field, knocked down 2 three pointers and grabbed 3 rebounds on his electric performance.
It was his relentlessness streaking to the hoop that powered the Aztecs to take control after the Wildcats gave them everything they had in trying to upset the home team.
It looked as if they nearly were going to pull it off when shot after shot seemed to go in. Shades of last season’s upset home loss to underdog Troy filled social media grumblings as the Wildcats hustled and bustled their way towards a one point deficit at the game’s halftime.
The Wildcats turned the Aztecs over 15 times including 11 steals. But for coach Reggie Theus’ team, they just couldn’t convert all those turnovers into enough points to overtake the Aztecs.
On the day SDSU shot 68% as a team from the field and racked up a ton of assists 22-12. For all the mistakes and imperfections, SDSU pounded the ball down low to their physical players and attacked the rim. Brian Dutcher’s playmakers dominated in the paint, scoring a whopping 52 points to 28 for Bethune-Cookman.
Elzie Harrington scored 18 points on 7 of 11 shooting and also created for his teamates with 8 assists. Bear Cherry feasted down low scoring 15 points on 6-7 shots as well as adding 2 blocks.
Tae Simmons played tough contributing with 10 points on 5 of 6 shots, grabbed 5 rebounds and 2 steals. Chance Gladden held his own with 9 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists. Isaiah Sy pitched in by hitting 8 points on two very big three point shots.
Sy who continues to push for the ultimate sixth man off the bench position, lead the team with 7 rebounds and also created 4 assists. His contributions have helped push the Aztecs in these games where the opposition has presented some challenges.
For Bethune-Cookman they were led by Jaylen Jones’ 14 points off the bench. However it was when season leader Mari Jordan was ejected from the game just 21 minutes played for a high elbow offensive foul on Bear Cherry.
Without Jordan, Bethune-Cookman was playing at a disadvantage all game long. Though they more than held up under such a great setback, the Aztecs showed their quality in the end and put the game away down inside the 4-5 minute mark.
Overall it was a solid win for the Aztecs over a team that may win their conference season in the SWAC. It gave coach Dutcher and staff a real look at more of their roster as Luca Vincini and Luka Skoric each only played 12 minutes and David Torresani was held under 5 minutes.
Up next SDSU heads to Oceanside for the neutral court game vs New Mexico State. The game is scheduled to tip-off at 1pm PST at the new Frontwave Arena.
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