San Diego State asserted its dominance over Fresno State at Viejas Arena, cruising to a 71-52 victory behind a well-rounded performance from its roster. Magoon Gwath led the charge for the Aztecs, posting 18 points and 8 rebounds to pace his team. The win improves San Diego State's record to 14-5, while Fresno State falls to 9-11.
The Aztecs set the tone early, taking a 36-21 lead into halftime. Fresno State's DeShawn Gory tried to keep his team afloat, scoring 16 points and grabbing 14 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to overcome the balanced attack of San Diego State. Reese Dixon-Waters and Miles Byrd also made significant contributions for the Aztecs, with 13 points and 9 rebounds, and 10 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists, respectively.
San Diego State's defense was stifling, holding Fresno State to just 21 points in the first half. The Bulldogs struggled to find their rhythm, shooting poorly from the field and committing turnovers that the Aztecs capitalized on. In the second half, Fresno State showed some signs of life, scoring 31 points, but it was too little, too late. San Diego State's lead never dipped below 15 points in the final 20 minutes, and the Aztecs emptied their bench in the closing minutes to secure the 19-point win.
The victory is a Quadrant 3 win for San Diego State, which should help bolster its NCAA Tournament resume. With a current NET ranking of 47, the Aztecs are firmly in the mix for a postseason berth. For Fresno State, the loss is a Quadrant 1 defeat, which won't hurt its resume too badly. However, the Bulldogs' NET ranking of 147 suggests they still have work to do to become a serious tournament contender.
Magoon Gwath's performance was a highlight for San Diego State, as he continues to emerge as a key contributor for the Aztecs. His 18 points were a team-high, and his 8 rebounds helped San Diego State dominate the glass. DeShawn Gory's double-double was a bright spot for Fresno State, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Aztecs' depth and balance.
The win is a reflection of San Diego State's strength and depth, and it should give the Aztecs confidence as they move forward. With the victory, San Diego State takes a significant step forward in its pursuit of a tournament bid, while Fresno State want to regroup and refocus in its quest for a postseason spot. The Aztecs' resume now boasts a 14-5 record, with a notable win over a Quadrant 1 opponent, which will undoubtedly catch the attention of the selection committee.