Dominant Defense Propels SDSU to Second Consecutive Road Win

A sluggish first half of offense for San Diego State paved the way for a huge second half to pull away from Nevada 69-50 Saturday, snapping a two-game losing streak in Reno to the Wolf Pack. 

The first half was a game of runs, as SDSU scored the first five, followed by a 11-0 run from the Wolf Pack, only to be followed by a 13-0 run from the Aztecs. The half of runs resulted in a seven point advantage for SDSU heading into the locker room.

What followed in the second half was all Aztecs. SDSU quickly built a double-digit lead, and was able to hold off any last minute comeback from Nevada for a comfortable win. 

While the Aztecs shot 48.2% from the field overall, and 36% from three, it was the SDSU defense that stole the show. Nevada only shot 29.4% from the field, and 19.2% from three.

“We all take pride in that,” said freshman Magoon Gwath postgame, via Sports 760. “We were playing a little lower than our expectations, so I feel like this game is just a good statement game for the team.”

Gwath shot a perfect 7-7 from the field, which resulted in 15 points, as well as 13 rebounds for his second double-double on the season.

Nevada entered the night as the favorite, which could be the result of the Aztecs’ buzzer-beating win over Air Force the game prior. Head coach Brian Dutcher thinks his team is getting better, but still points out room for improvement.

“The stat I like best is 21 assists on 27 baskets,” Daughter said postgame, via Sports 760. “We’re going to be critical of the plays you don’t make. We have room to grow, and we have to grow quickly.”

SDSU kept pace in the Mountain West standings, after its conference record rose to 6-3 with the win. 

The next test for the Aztecs will be back at home in Viejas Arena Tuesday, when San Jose State comes to town. Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. PST.