The San Diego State Aztecs come home after a rough loss to UNLV on the road 74-67.

It was the first time in over a decade the Aztecs were swept by the Runnin’ Rebels in conference play. The Rebels won off the back of Julian Rishwain, who shot 6-for-9 from the three-point line and 9-for-13 from the field, scoring 26 points. The Aztecs are hoping to end the regular season on a high note. Coach Dutcher was asked on Thursday why the Aztecs seemed to have played with less energy against UNLV. “I would not say for a lack of energy, I would say we looked fatigued,” Dutcher said.

The Aztecs had one less day of typical rest due to the layover in Laramie. Coach Dutcher believes the Aztecs will be well-rested and ready for Senior Night.

The Aztecs face off against Nevada on Senior Night, hoping to avoid what would be a quad 3 loss. Which would be detrimental to the Aztecs’ Big Dance hopes. “I have never felt like we are lock into the tournament, maybe the 30 win team but that was it,” coach Dutcher stated when asked how the team approaches these last set of games knowing they are on the bubble. The Aztecs do know who they will be facing to start the Mountain West Tournament, barring an upset by Air Force against Utah State. The Aztecs will likely be facing off against the Boise State Broncos, who lost late Thursday Night to a hot Colorado State team 83-73.

It’s easy to look ahead at who you have to start the conference tournament, but Nevada is no pushover.

The Wolf Pack have had a down year this season. This does not mean they haven’t been competitive.

Nevada has lost to the Mountain West Regular Season champion, New Mexico Lobos, both times, but by a combined five points. The last time these two programs faced off, the Aztecs won 69-50 on the road. The Aztecs were led by star freshman Magoon Gwath who went a perfect 7-for-7 with 15 points and 13 rebounds in the game. Other star freshman Taj DeGourville enjoyed a good game, making four threes in the contest. “They are well coached with Steve Alford,” Dutcher stated when asked about Nevada and how close they have been in almost every game so far. Dutcher also preached about Nick Davidson and his ability in the post, along with Kobe Sanders, who is a talented scorer for the Wolf Pack.

Keeping Sanders and Davidson in check

In the last meeting between these two conference foes, the Aztecs held Nick Davidson to 1-for-9, shooting six points and only three rebounds.

All the Aztec big men did a number on Davidson earlier in the season, holding him to under his scoring average and rebounding average.

If the Aztecs are going to keep Davidson from under his scoring averages, it will be on the backs of Miles Heide and Pharaoh Compton.

Kobe Sanders against the Aztecs in late January, put up 12 points on 5-for-14 shooting. He went 0-for-4 on threes. Sanders, so far this season, has done just slightly better on the road than at home, shooting 40% from deep while playing as a visitor. The Aztecs did a great job throwing different bodies at Sanders last time they faced.

The key to an Aztec win on Senior Night is containing these two who lead Nevada in scoring.

Bryant Thursby

Assistant Coach at Heritage High School. A big time SDSU fanatic and Padres fan.