San Diego State used a hot offense and a stifling defense to overwhelm an overmatched Air Force squad.
The Aztecs took to the stratosphere in Colorado Springs as they grounded Air Force on a special Space Force night. After spotting the Falcons the first five points, the Aztecs lifted off into orbit with a dominating performance against the Academy. Sometimes it is difficult to play at elevation as was evidenced last year when the Aztecs needed an overtime buzzer beater to take down a struggling Falcons team. This year would be much different as the Aztecs (17-6, 11-2 MWC) took the game both outside and inside in dismantling the Falcons (3-20, 0-12 MWC). Midway through the first half the Aztecs had a 23-2 run, crushing any attempts at Air Force establishing any kind of positive momentum. Falcons Coach Jon Jordan used all but one of his timeouts in the first fourteen minutes to try and slow down the Aztecs. The Falcons were futile from both shooting as well as mistakes as they turned the ball over 12 times in the first half.
“The veterans know, they know how hard it was in here last year,” coach Brian Dutcher said. “Also, I’ve tried to tell them we need a greater sense of urgency in February. I’m trying to pick up their urgency in everything we do. If we can stay urgent and play more consecutive possessions, we’ll have a better chance to win.”
That urgency was on full display, showing their depth and talent. On a slow night for Miles Byrd, who finished with only four points, fellow guard BJ Davis had 16 points on 7-of-8 shooting. Miles Heidi had a season high 13 points on 6-of-7 shooting. Reese Dixon-Waters contributed 12 points, including six free throws. Pharoah Compton had 11 points and four steals. Jeremiah Oden had 11 points and Taj DeGourville contributed eight points, five assists and two steals. Dominance was on full display as the Aztecs scored 52 of their 88 points from within the paint. They also converted 22 Falcon turnovers into 32 points. Game, set, match.
Air Force interim coach Jordan, said,” First of all, they’re a very good basketball team. That’s a fact. It’s not an excuse, that’s not a rationalization, that’s a fact. They’re very good. They’re long; they really get after us in a unique way. If you’re not careful, if you’re not aware of how important that basketball is, you’ll end up with 22 turnovers.”
The Falcons were led in scoring by Ethan Greenberg with 11 points and Kam Sanders also with 11 points and five rebounds. The Aztecs were still without center Magoon Gwath who will be re-evaluated before next Saturday’s game at home against Nevada. In his place, 7-foot redshirt freshman Thokbor Majak added minutes and five rebounds, but he did commit four fouls in just under seven minutes of play. An announced crowd of 1,741 seemed thin, but there has not been much for beleaguered Falcon fans to cheer about in recent years. They have lost 36 of their last 37 conference games.
The win allows the Aztecs to keep pace with Utah State in a tie for first place in the conference. The Aggies held on for a nail-biting 85-83 win over Wyoming in Laramie. Boise State took New Mexico to the wire and held on for a 91-90 win. UNLV also held on to beat Grand Canyon 80-78 in a thriller in Vegas. Nevada beat Fresno State 69-59 and Colorado State handled San Jose State 65-57 in Fort Collins. Wednesday sees an intriguing matchup as Grand Canyon hosts New Mexico and on Friday UNLV travels to Boise. The Lobos and Nevada Wolfpack are both tied two games behind the leaders with Grand Canyon 2.5 games behind. Boise State is warming up and looks like they might have a say in the conversation. Over the long season, we are seeing the cream rise to the top. The MWC is a strong conference 1-5, but shows some questions below that. They also have two of the worst teams in the country with San Jose State and Air Force solidly locked into basement and doormat. There’s still some ball left to play and the rarified air will continue to see elevated games. Unfortunately, last night, the only thing that worked out for Air Force were free t-shirts dropped from the rafters by parachutes. I’d like one of those Space Force shirts please.