Aztecs Outmaneuver Bulldogs in Spokane Showdown
The San Diego State Aztecs emerged victorious with an 84-74 win over the Gonzaga Bulldogs. The Aztecs' season record now stands at an impressive 0-0, while the Bulldogs face a setback with their 13th rank. The game, which took place at the McCarthey Athletic Center in Spokane, saw the Aztecs score 38 points in the first half and add another 46 in the second.
San Diego State's performance was marked by a balanced offensive and defensive effort. They shot an efficient 50 percent from the field, making 32 out of their total 64 attempts. Their prowess inside was particularly notable as they scored a substantial 40 points in the paint. From beyond the arc, they managed to hit eight three-pointers on a shooting percentage of about 32 percent.
On defense, San Diego State showcased their ability to disrupt Gonzaga's rhythm by recording five steals and three blocks throughout the game. They also dominated on fast breaks, scoring twelve fast break points compared to Gonzaga's fourteen. The Aztecs were disciplined with only one team turnover and capitalized on turnovers by scoring twenty-one points off them.
Rebounding was another area where San Diego State excelled; they pulled down thirty-three rebounds including six offensive boards that led to ten second-chance points. Their two-point shooting was particularly effective as well; they made twenty-four out of thirty-nine attempts which translates to approximately sixty-two percent accuracy.
The Bulldogs put up a resilient fight despite falling short on their home court. They had seven steals and two blocks defensively but committed thirteen turnovers against San Diego State's eleven total turnovers (ten player turnovers). Gonzaga shot forty-two percent overall from field goals but struggled from long range with only five made three-pointers at around twenty-six percent accuracy.
Gonzaga did manage to edge out San Diego State slightly in free throw percentage (approximately seventy-six percent) making nineteen of their twenty-five attempts while San Diego State made twelve free throws at about seventy-five percent efficiency.
Looking ahead for fans of San Diego State Aztecs, their next challenge will be against Fresno State Bulldogs at Viejas Arena at Aztec Bowl located in sunny San Diego, California. This upcoming match is scheduled for January third at seven-thirty PM Pacific Time and will be broadcasted nationally on Fox Sports one channel two hundred nineteen for those eager to follow along live.