Aztecs top Boise State 72-55 to remain unbeaten
Credit: AP Photo
In the early afternoon on Sunday, the Aztecs faced the Broncos of Boise State on the road.
In what was likely the toughest remaining game on the schedule, the Aztecs emerged victorious by a final score of 72-55. The Aztecs remain the only undefeated team in the country at 26-0.
After the first ten minutes of game time, the Aztecs led 20-11 and recorded three steals. The Aztecs led for the entire game after the first score in a dominant performance on the road in Idaho.
At the half, the score was 40-26 in favor of SDSU, and the Aztecs looked like they were ready for March.
Most expected Boise State to make a run either to start the game or after halftime. Neither happened. Coming out of the break, the Aztecs went on a 6-1 run where Boise’s only point came off of a technical free throw from Matt Mitchell hanging on the rim too long after a dunk, forcing coach Lean Rice to take a timeout.
Boise State did manage a 10-0 run in the middle of the second half, bringing their deficit to 10 points. As mentioned before the game, rebounding would be crucial. It proved to be right as five of the ten points came off of offensive rebounds. Coach Dutcher called a time out to emphasize boxing out after Boise’s small run.
#BeatBoiseSt keys to the game:
1. Rebounding. Boise St is one of the worst offensive rebounding teams in the country. The Aztecs need to continue to work on ending defensive possessions with a board.— Aztec Breakdown (@aztecbreakdown) February 16, 2020
In the end, Malachi Flynn and K.J. Feagin hit a few clutch 3-pointers, and the Aztecs left Extra Mile Arena victorious for the first time in four years.
One other important stat, the Aztecs committed only seven fouls for the entire game. Coach Dutcher emphasized not committing bad fouls, and it seems like the message stuck.
To no one’s surprise, Malachi Flynn was the star of the game, with 22 points, six assists, six rebounds, and three steals.
Malachi Flynn.
All-American.
pic.twitter.com/GxGWmomPOy— Jon Schaeffer (@jonschaeffer) February 16, 2020
The Aztecs have their second “Bye Week” this week and don’t play during the workweek. They return to Viejas Arena next Saturday to take on UNLV at 4:30 p.m.
Native San Diegan living in Montana. Big time Aztec Basketball fan. Creator of Aztec Breakdown. Hoping to help people enjoy basketball more by increasing their understanding of it.