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San Diego State Get A Pair Of Close Wins Over Nevada
Aztecs go 2-0.
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Game one: San Diego State 65, Nevada 60
The first game had the outcome people expected but was far closer than anticipated with San Diego State winning, 65-60. The Nevada Wolf Pack was able to keep the game close despite scoring a season-low 60 points. Nevada was led by Grant Sherfield who is emerging as one of the top guards in the Mountain West. Sherfield had 22 points while his partner in crime Desmond Cambridge Jr had 16 points and went 4-6 from beyond the arch. Nevada as a whole shot 36 percent from the field and only turned the ball over nine times.
For the Aztecs, it was more of the same as this high powered offense went to work. San Diego State shot a blistering 40 percent from the field. Mountain West Player of the Year candidate Matt Mitchell led the way for SDSU with 20 points and also grabbed 10 rebounds giving him his first double double on the season. When it was all over, three Aztecs scored in double digits. Getting to the free throw line was a point of emphasis as San Diego State got to the charity stripe 22 times.
Game two: San Diego State 69, Nevada 67
The Wolf Pack were able to keep it close once again. Nevada trailed the Aztecs 34-31 at half. Nevada continued their tight defense from the first game making it hard for SDSU to shoot from beyond the arch. The Aztecs were 4-16 from the three-point line at the break. Defense dominated after half time but Nevada was able to take their first lead of the game just under 15 minutes to play courtesy of a Zane Meeks three. Nevada was unable to hold onto the lead as San Diego State hit a buzzer-beater game-winner to take the game 69-67.
https://twitter.com/Aztec_MBB/status/1348120761588883457
San Diego State shot 43 percent from the field but struggled from beyond the arch going 7-22 from the three point line. Mitchell and Nathan Mensah led the Aztecs in scoring with a combined 35 points but it was Trey Pulliam that will get the glory as the guard hit a running floater to call game.
Nevada had a much easier time scoring the ball today shooting 45 percent from the field including a scorching 52 percent in the second half. It was the Cambridge Jr and Sherfield show again as they combined for more than half of the Wolf Pack’s 67 points. KJ Hymes had his highest scoring total of the year with 14 points in 23 minutes.
Takeaways:
San Diego State continues to prove why they are the top dog in the Mountain West. While they probably should have won by higher point totals, when they are tested down the stretch, the Aztecs find a way to win. However, San Diego State does show weaknesses. If teams can limit their shooting from beyond the arch they struggle to score. While San Diego State should finish at the top of the league this year, the Aztecs most certainly will suffer more losses before the Mountain West tournament.
Nevada showed amazing grit during this series by almost upsetting the top team in the conference twice. This young team continues to get better and will continue to put fans through a rollercoaster type of season. It is also nice to see other players step up to give Nevada a solid third option. If Warren Washington and KJ Hymes continue to step up, then this Nevada team can give the top teams in the conference a run for their money.
Next Up:
San Diego State travels to Logan Utah to face Utah State (9-3) on Thursday and Saturday. Nevada looks to bounce back as they face Fresno State (4-3) at home in Lawlor Events Center.
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