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2019 Mountain West Tournmanet: How To Watch, Live Stream, Preview Air Force vs.San Jose State
Air Force has beaten San Jose State both times they have met this season.
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WHO: San Jose State Spartans (4-26, 1-17 Mountain West) vs. Air Force (13-17, 8-10 Mountain West)
WHEN: Wednesday, March 13thth — 4:00 PM PT
WHERE: Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, Nevada
TV: No T.V.
STREAM: Watch Stadium
RADIO: San Jose State: TuneIn App Air Force: 740 AM KVOR
Air Force comes into the first round of the Mountain West Tournament after a near 30 point loss at Boise State. The Falcons have been up and down all season with good wins against UNLV, San Diego State, and at Fresno but also have had some very close games against lesser opponents like San Jose State. The Spartans were able to hang with the Falcons all the way up to double overtime in the first matchup. San Jose had one of the best defensive halves all season against Air Force as they held them to 19 points and only 8 made baskets. San Jose State had their own problems offensively in that game as they shot 38% and ended up scoring only 68 points in a game that went into double overtime which would end up costing them. If Air Force ends up coming out with a half like that again and playing flat, the Spartans could use that as a jump start and carry some confidence into the second half. If the Spartans want to win they will need Noah Baumann to make multiple 3’s, Michael Steadman to be effective in the post game and limit their turnovers on offense while causing them on defense. Baumann and Steadman are the only Spartans who have shown the ability to consistently score on this team and San Jose State does not have the talent to come back from giving away multiple free possessions.
In the second matchup between the Spartans and Falcons, Air Force dominated the game in Colorado Springs from the start as they were up 23 by halftime and ended up winning by 14. Air Force actually shot less than 40% from the field but San Jose turned it over 16 times, which has been a problem all season for the Spartans. If Air Force wants to win they will first need to be effective and efficient on offense. One of the Falcons best offensive abilities is being able to shoot at a high percentage on 2 point shots, they rank 74th in the nation. In addition, Air Force will need to not allow Baumann to heat up from 3 and run him off the line any chance they get. Forcing Baumann to the basket or having him kick it out to a teammate is a much better option for the Falcons. Lastly, get Lavelle Scottie going early and often as he will be the best player on the floor which makes him the Falcons best option offensively. Out of the 4 halves, these two teams have played so far this season the one in which Scottie struggled and was 1-7 was the only one that the Spartans controlled.