Opinion
3 min read

Can the Aztecs Conquer the Huskies at TD Garden?

As the San Diego State Aztecs prepare to face off against the UConn Huskies at TD Garden, fans are buzzing with anticipation. The upcoming clash is not just a game; it's a battle of wits, strategy, and sheer basketball prowess. With their recent performance in mind, there's every reason to believe that the Aztecs have what it takes to dominate on court.


Apr 1, 2023; Houston, TX, USA; San Diego State Aztecs guard Matt Bradley (20) shoots the ball against Florida Atlantic Owls forward Giancarlo Rosado (3) during the second half in the semifinals of the Final Four of the 2023 NCAA Tournament at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Looking back at their last game on March 25th against Yale Bulldogs, San Diego State University (SDSU) showcased an offensive masterclass with an impressive 85 points finish. Their field goal percentage stood at a remarkable 53 percent and they were particularly lethal from beyond the arc, hitting 48 percent of their three-point attempts. The team also demonstrated efficiency from the free-throw line with an 82 percent completion rate.


The defensive end for SDSU was no less formidable. They out-rebounded Yale by a significant margin (39 to Yale's 25), which included commanding defensive boards that limited second-chance points for their opponents. Moreover, SDSU’s ability to convert turnovers into points was evident as they scored nine points off turnovers compared to Yale’s six.


Apr 3, 2023; Houston, TX, USA; Connecticut Huskies guard Andre Jackson Jr. (44) dribbles the ball against San Diego State Aztecs guard Micah Parrish (3) during the first half in the national championship game of the 2023 NCAA Tournament at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

In contrast, during their first-round game on March 22nd against UAB Blazers, while SDSU won with a narrower margin scoring 69 points, they still managed to maintain solid two-point field goal and free throw percentages of 51 and 80 respectively. Their defense was tenacious as well; they racked up five blocks and stole possession eleven times which translated into critical fast-break opportunities.


However, it would be remiss not to acknowledge that in their Mountain West Championship game against New Mexico Lobos on March 16th where SDSU scored only 61 points – lower than any other recent games – there were struggles in converting three-point shots with just a twenty percent success rate.


Apr 3, 2023; Houston, TX, USA; Connecticut Huskies forward Adama Sanogo (21) shoots against the San Diego State Aztecs in the national championship game of the 2023 NCAA Tournament at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Despite this blip in long-range shooting during one match-up, overall statistics suggest that SDSU has been consistent where it counts: maintaining high shooting accuracy under pressure and executing strong defensive plays when needed most.


The UConn Huskies will undoubtedly be formidable opponents; however based on past performances there is every indication that if SDSU can maintain or even surpass their current level of play - especially from downtown - then victory could very well swing in favor of San Diego State University.


Fans should mark their calendars for March 28th when these two titans will lock horns at TD Garden in Boston MA. Tip-off is scheduled for shortly after halftime during prime time viewing hours so make sure you're tuned into TBS or truTV for what promises to be an electrifying encounter between two basketball heavyweights.

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