SDSU Men’s Basketball Shines in Exhibition, Prepping for Season Opener
San Diego State won its exhibition game against Cal State San Marcos 80-39, the final step before its season begins against UC San Diego.
The San Diego State men’s basketball team won its exhibition game against Cal State San Marcos 80-39, the final step before its season begins Wednesday against UC San Diego at home.
The Aztecs were led by senior guard Nick Boyd, a transfer from Florida Atlantic who had 18 points. SDSU entered halftime up 46-19, and didn’t look back the remainder of the night.
Aztecs coach Brian Dutcher was impressed with his team’s effort, and hopes it feeds into the start of the season.
“We’re going to be good,” Dutcher said following the exhibition. “We have to be good in November and that’s a challenge because of our schedule.”
The month includes matchups against two top teams. The Aztecs host No. 6-ranked Gonzaga on Nov. 18, followed up by a matchup against No.15 Creighton as part of the Players Era Festival tournament in Las Vegas.
Dutcher and the Aztecs embrace defense, and he noticed the energy was high during their exhibition win.
“We take pride in our defense, we work at it everyday,” Dutcher said. “It’s what we rely on.”
That may be so, but Dutcher wants his team to keep the intensity high up even when they aren’t having a good offensive night.
“The offense was easy tonight,” Dutcher said. “That energy has to be there when the offense isn’t easy.”
The Aztecs were projected to finish fourth in the Mountain West, according to a preseason conference poll. Boise State topped the poll, followed by New Mexico and Nevada.
The Aztecs begin conference play Dec. 28 when they host Utah State.
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