San Diego State pulled off a stunning upset at Viejas Arena, taking down 17-4 New Mexico 83-79 in a non-conference showdown. The Aztecs, ranked 47th in the net rankings, handed the 43rd-ranked Lobos their fourth loss of the season, and it's a defeat that will surely send shockwaves through the college basketball landscape. This was no ordinary win for San Diego State, as they dominated the first half, taking a 48-35 lead into the break.
Miles Byrd was the star of the show for the Aztecs, pouring in 21 points and grabbing 8 rebounds to lead his team to victory. He was supported by solid performances from Pharaoh Compton and Taj DeGourville, who chipped in with 12 and 11 points, respectively. However, it was Byrd's all-around effort that was the difference-maker, as he consistently made big plays on both ends of the floor.
New Mexico, on the other hand, was led by the impressive Tomislav Buljan, who recorded a double-double with 20 points and 14 rebounds. Jake Hall and Antonio Chol also made significant contributions, scoring 15 and 12 points, respectively. Despite their best efforts, the Lobos couldn't overcome the Aztecs' strong start, and their second-half surge ultimately fell short.
The Lobos did make a push in the second half, outscoring San Diego State 44-35, but it wasn't enough to overcome the deficit. The Aztecs' ability to hold off the New Mexico charge was a reflection of their resilience and determination. With this win, San Diego State improves to 14-5 on the season, while New Mexico drops to 17-4.
This upset victory is a massive boost to San Diego State's tournament resume, as it qualifies as a Quadrant 2 win. For New Mexico, the loss is a Quadrant 1 defeat, which could have implications for their seeding come tournament time. The Aztecs' ability to take down a top-50 team like the Lobos will undoubtedly catch the attention of the selection committee, and it's a win that could pay dividends in March.
In the end, San Diego State's impressive performance and ability to close out the game will be the talking point, as they secured a significant upset victory over a highly-regarded opponent. The win will undoubtedly give the Aztecs a much-needed confidence boost, and it's a result that will have major implications for their tournament chances. With this Q2 win, San Diego State has taken a significant step forward in their pursuit of a postseason berth, and they'll look to build on this momentum in their upcoming games.