Aztecs dominate New Mexico 85-57, end January undefeated
Credit: AP Photo
“The Pit”- Alburquerque, New Mexico-
The San Diego State Aztecs enter February undefeated after giving New Mexico their first home loss of the season, 85-57
Dominating defense and shooting was the tale of this game, as San Diego State cruised to victory on the road.
The Aztecs got off to an insane start, beginning the game on a 17-0 run. This run included four 3-point plays and multiple defensive steals for the SDSU starting five.
Although the New Mexico Lobos stopped the run, they failed to cut into the deficit. At halftime, the Lobos trailed SDSU 48-25.
Matt Mitchell and KJ Feagin were out in front for the Aztecs in the first half. Feagin lit it up from behind the arc, shooting 5-for-7 from 3-point land. Mitchell was the only other SDSU player in double figures going into the locker room. For New Mexico, Corey Manigult did the majority of the scoring, recording 12 points at the half.
The success of San Diego State did not stop at halftime. It wasn’t a 17-0 run this time, but the Aztecs began the 2nd half on a 17-5 run, which deflated the crowd at “The Pit.”
Lethal shooting and elite defense are often needed to win on the road. SDSU did just that all night. The Aztecs shot 58.2% from the field, and 15-33 for three. On the other end, SDSU forced ten turnovers and held New Mexico to a 33.8 FG%.
The game ended with every Aztecs starter in double figures. San Diego State likes to spread the love when it comes to scoring, and that was exemplified on Wednesday. Even though New Mexico was missing four starters, this was a dominating victory.
22-0! pic.twitter.com/uhIdWYoeIm
— Aztec M. Basketball (@Aztec_MBB) January 30, 2020
The Aztecs return home to San Diego and Viejas Arena now 22-0 on the season.
They’ll aim for 23-0 when the Utah State Aggies come to town on Saturday. Not only is it a big game for the Aztecs, but the program will also retire Kawhi Leonard’s number. Tip-off for that one is at 7:00 PST.
Dominic is a graduate of Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, with a bachelor’s degree in Sports Journalism. He also is the producer and co-host of the “Padres EVT Podcast.”