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San Diego State falls to Iowa State in Maui Invitational
Aztecs Return 1-2 From Maui Invitational After Loss To Iowa State
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Aztecs unable to get a second win on the islands after losing to Iowa State
With a relatively weak nonconference schedule, the Aztecs looked to the loaded Maui Invitational as an opportunity to get some wins for the resume. Going 3-0 seemed nearly impossible after drawing Duke in the first round, however going 0-3 was unforgivable. The Blue Devils sent the Aztecs to the consolation bracket where they beat Xavier in game two, setting up a matchup with Iowa State in the fifth-place game. A second victory on the islands was not to be as San Diego State fell to the Cyclones by a score of 87-57.
In its first two games San Diego State’s opponents were lights out from behind the three-point line early, today was no exception. Iowa State started the game 3-4 from long distance and hovered around 50% the rest of the way, finishing 14-32 from three. This early barrage was one that the Aztecs could not overcome. With the defense being drained by the three-ball, the offense was unable to muster much.
Matt Mitchell led the scoring for the Aztecs with 14 points on 3-7 shooting. Jaden McDaniels and Jeremy Hemsley were the only two other Aztecs to score in double figures with 10 points apiece.
The Aztecs were dominated in all facets of the game. San Diego State would shoot 35.3% to the Cyclones 47.5% from the field. With such a shooting discrepancy the Aztecs would have needed to make up for it elsewhere, however, they were unable to. Iowa State won the battle of the boards by a 14-point margin (41-27) and outscored San Diego State 22-10 in the paint.
Iowa State had three scorers in double figures, led by senior Mariol Shayok who finished with 21. Junior Michael Jacobson had 19 points and eight rebounds, while Terrence Lewis came off the bench for 16 points.
The Aztecs leave Maui with only one win, which while helpful is sort of a mixed bag. While the Aztecs are happy not to be coming back 0-3, their two losses were uninspiring blowout defeats. Coach Brian Dutcher and staff will look back and make some adjustments so that the team improves, but they will rue those two performances against Duke and Iowa State. They will have six days as their next game is at home against Jackson State.
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