When the conference schedule was released in October, many circled this upcoming game against Nevada to be the start of a critical stretch for Brian Dutcher and the San Diego State Aztecs.

The Aztecs have put themselves in a position to win the regular-season title, which they were predicted to do in the Mountain West Preseason Media poll. Seven games remain, and all but one are against the Top 7 teams in the conference standings. Nevada is next with a 9-4 record, and at the moment, placing them in fourth place after New Mexico’s road win over Grand Canyon on Wednesday. The Aztecs will aim for the season sweep at home against the Wolf Pack on Saturday night, after enjoying a bye this week.

Grand Canyon follows the Wolf Pack on Tuesday, February 17. GCU beat SDSU by one point the last time they met, and the Aztecs will aim for revenge at Viejas Arena. The Lopes are now 5th in the standings (8-5). SDSU then heads to Fort Collins for another meeting with the Rams, whom the Aztecs beat by 23 points at home in January.

What follows will be the biggest game of the season on The Mesa. San Diego State will host Utah State for what could decide who wins the regular-season title. If the Scarlet & Black can handle business beforehand and enter that 8:00 local start against the Aggies tied atop the standings, then you really have to like the Aztecs’ chances to win the conference. However, plans never go smoothly. SDSU heads to Albuquerque to take on New Mexico three days later. SDSU is 13-32 at The Pit.

Last Saturday, San Diego State dominated Air Force in what could be the final matchup between the two rival programs. The Aztecs put a stamp on the rivalry with their 69th in 93 contests and 13 in a row to say farewell.

Reinforcements are coming

Elzie Harrington and Magoon Gwath are expected to return to action against the Wolf Pack. Nothing is official as of yet.

“That’s what I want to have happen in the worst way, so that we can hopefully get Magoon [Gwath] or Elzie [Harrington] both back working,” Dutcher said after the win over Wyoming last week. “We can be at full strength for the stretch run. I’m excited about this team. I’m excited about the future here in February, sitting in first place in the Mountain West right now, and we’re feeling good about ourselves.”

There is no better time for their potential return as the Aztecs take on a very good opponent for the beginning of a brutal stretch of games.

.@ElzieHarringto1 finds @magoongwath for the fast-break slam!

📺: @CBSSportsCBB pic.twitter.com/58CSRlnlDV

— San Diego State Men’s Basketball (@Aztec_MBB) December 31, 2025

Harrington has played in 19 games this season, averaging 8.4 points, 1.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 0.6 steals per game. Harrington has excelled tremendously as a shooter, and if he picks up where he left off, then Dutcher and his staff will be in for a real treat. The freshman is shooting 48% from the field and 53.3% from beyond the arc. The only player on the team shooting a better percentage is Gwath at 57.9%. The Aztecs’ three-point shooting is going to get a major upgrade when they are back on the floor.

Elzie Harrington vs Michigan:
15pts, 6-9 FG

Watch him get to his spots and hit over and over. Very nice game. pic.twitter.com/Y5PyyghQaN

— Aztec Analytics (@AztecAnalytics) November 25, 2025

Harrington scored 20 points against Boise State in the triple overtime win at Viejas Arena. He even had 16 points and three steals in the one-point loss to Grand Canyon. However, the best game of his freshman season was the performance he showcased in front of the world against Michigan. The Long Beach native scored 15 points against a very good team and missed only three shots. He finished 1-1 from deep and 2-2 from the free-throw line.

As Aztec Analytics said in the post on X, Harrington managed to locate his spots and was able to see a lot of success against a great defense and team overall. Michigan has the talent to become national champions.

East Village Times wrote on Magoon Gwath and the hurdles he must climb to get back into his star form. Gwath has not played since the article was released, so it is still very relevant to this day.

Gwath is extremely talented when he isn’t in his own head and frustrated. This time off can give him reflection and a realization that the Aztecs are going to need his shooting and shot blocking abilities to be on full display when on the court. If not, it could have a major impact if the Aztecs were to end their season earlier than expected. It is a lot of pressure to deal with, but that is because he can change any game on his own. The 7-footer is 11-19 from three-point range and is averaging 1.5 blocks per game.

BLOCKED BY @magoongwath!

📺: @CBSSportsCBB pic.twitter.com/Hj2g7VHrwr

— San Diego State Men’s Basketball (@Aztec_MBB) December 31, 2025

If opponents believe that his shot blocking is not at its best, then they are in for a surprise.

Should BJ Davis remain a starter?

Davis has made a case to remain the starter while Elzie Harrington progresses back into form. The junior guard has been one of the best players on the team this year. He never waivered when being sent to the bench at the start of the season, as he has been one of the best scorers off the bench for the entire campaign, not just in the Mountain West, but in the country. Davis is one of the team’s leaders and can do it all for the Aztecs, especially in clutch moments.

Because of how well Davis has played on the bench, it makes sense to send him back there when Elzie Harrington is back in form. For now, Davis could start another game or two, as Dutcher may be hesitant to throw Harrington and Gwath out in the fire. We have already seen it with Gwath coming off the bench multiple times this season.

The Aztecs are ready for the challenge. Having two starters out gives others a chance to see more minutes. Jeremiah Oden, Tae Simmons, Taj DeGourville, Sean Newman Jr, and, of course, Davis, have seen boosted minutes with Gwath and Harrington sidelined. That will only benefit them later on as March Madness approaches.

Remember, the depth of this team is the strongsuit. It’s going to be what leads them in March.

Chris Spiering

Chris is a graduate of the University of San Diego. He is the former Sports Editor for the USDVista newspaper. Chris has covered the San Diego Loyal, and now covers San Diego State Men’s Basketball. He also contributes regularly about the Padres. Chris is an athlete and is a huge fan of San Diego sports.