Aztecs improve to 2-0 on the season after a huge win against Occidental College without Miles Byrd and Reese Waters.

Steve Fisher Court – Viejas Arena

The San Diego State Aztecs hosted Occidental College for just the third time since the 1953-54 season. The past two meetings saw SDSU win comfortably, which happened again Tuesday night. SDSU controlled the game from the very start, and they deserved the success that came their way. They needed this big victory before their crucial matchup against No. 4 Gonzaga the following week. SDSU scored 100 points in regulation for the first time since 2018.

“It’s fun to watch the ball go in the basket,” head coach Brian Dutcher said postgame. “I don’t care who the opponent is at some level you have to make the shot. We made a lot of shots against man-to-man early and then hit some shots in zone. I think that builds confidence.”

The first half was all that mattered on Tuesday night, and boy, did the Aztecs show up.

Wearing their Native Heritage blue uniforms, SDSU could not miss to begin the contest. If you blinked, you missed a made basket from the Aztecs.

SDSU hit their first six shots of the game and 10-13 overall to jump out to a massive 25-2 lead. Nick Boyd and BJ Davis started the game out with back-to-back lay-ups. Those lay-ins were tough finishes on both as Davis and Boyd finished the basket despite the contact.

Magoon Gwath, after blocking two shots in the first two minutes, hit a three to take a 7-0 lead. Then, Wayne McKinney III got involved with a jumper. Gwath hit another three for his second of the game, and McKinney started the game going 4-4 with 11 points.

The offense was smooth, and the players looked like they were playing with a ton of energy. The three-point shooting showed up early on in the game. SDSU began hitting 10 of their first 12 from beyond the arc. Kimo Ferrari entered the game and made three straight attempts. Everything was going well for the Aztecs.

“It was a good feeling,” McKinney III said postgame. “We were all together and going through those 40 minutes playing strong, getting into a good rhythm, and building chemistry. As long as we stay together and remain in the fight we will do what we do.”

Ten players earned minutes in the first half but it was McKinney and his 14 points that led the team at the break. Gwath finished the half with 10 points, and both Ferrari and Davis ended the half with nine points each.

“Keeping a constant effort on defense,” McKinney said postgame about what the goals were entering the game. “Just going out there and playing as hard as we can and do what we do in practice and translating that to the game. That is all we can ask for and everything else will fall into line.”

San Diego State had a commanding 54-17 lead at the break.

.@PharaohCompton with the steal and slam‼️

📺 Mountain West Network pic.twitter.com/n8z3dv4oZb

— San Diego State Men’s Basketball (@Aztec_MBB) November 13, 2024

The offensive aggression continued in the second half. SDSU did not let up. They kept finding good looks from three and hit four of them quickly. They had 14 with around 15 minutes remaining in the game and were going for the team’s three-point record of 19, which came against Occidental in 2022.

On the defensive end, the Aztecs kept forcing the Tigers into tough shots. With around 11 and a half minutes remaining, Pharaoh Compton stole the ball and slammed it home to put SDSU up 81-30. If Compton is seen on a fast break like that again, expect a huge flush as the big man can fly high. The team had five steals at halftime but already had four in the second half with 10 minutes left in the game.

Dutcher and his staff also saw great things from the other freshman, Taj DeGourville. He shot the ball well, passed the ball well, and defended hard. He contributed in every area of the game by leading the team in rebounds and assists late in the second half.

“We knew Taj was a great passer, and that is why we recruited him,” Dutcher said postgame about Taj’s performance. “We saw some really good passes today, and we also recruited him and told him he needs to become a better three-point shooter. You have to step in and take three’s; he was 4-7. He worked on it. You could see the work has paid off.”

The Aztecs ran away with the game. Occidental did not give up, but it was clear the game was over early. The Tigers kept playing hard but did not put a dent in the Aztec’s lead. Because of the blowout, the Tigers scored 32 second-half points.

Desai Lopez, Cam Lawin, and Ryan Schwarz all subbed in with about six minutes remaining in the game. It was great to see that trio play minutes early on in the season. Every Aztec stepped on the court for at least five minutes in the win.

Next up for the Aztecs will be on Monday, November 20, at 7 p.m. against No. 4 Gonzaga. Viejas Arena will be packed to the top in what will be one of the biggest games ever at Steve Fisher Court.

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.