San Diego State vs. Fresno State: Mountain West Tournament Quarterfinals Preview & Score Prediction

San Diego State (19-10, 11-7) vs. Fresno State (21-10, 11-7) Game Preview

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GAME INFO

Date: Thursday, March 8th
Tip-off: 2:30pm PST / 5:30pm EST
Venue: Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, Nevada
TV/stream: CBS Sports Network

PROJECTED SDSU LINEUP

G Devin Watson
G Trey Kell
G Matt Mitchell
F Jalen McDaniels
F Malik Pope

PROJECTED fresno state LINEUP

G Deshon Taylor
G Ray Bowles Jr.
F Nate Grimes
F Bryson Williams
F Sam Bittner

WHY the aztecs WILL WIN

The Aztecs struggled when Senior Guard Trey Kell was injured.  Kell is not the leading scorer, but he is the steadying catalyst for the Aztecs.  On his return the Aztecs won six straight.

The Aztecs are now playing excellent basketball with signature San Diego State elite defense.

Fresno State Guard Jaron Hopkins is Fresno State’s steadying catalyst, and he is out for the season.  Since his season-ending injury, the Bulldogs have fallen to Wyoming and New Mexico.  With Kell back and Hopkins out, the Aztecs have a good opportunity to come away with the win.

WHY THE bulldogs WILL WIN

The Bulldogs swept San Diego State during the regular conference, capitalizing on a then disjointed Aztecs team.

During their most recent match, the Bulldogs hammered the Aztecs 79-61.  Fresno State’s star guard Jaron Hopkins was the scoring leader with 20.  While he is out, the Bulldogs have no shortage of talented reserves.

SCORE PREDICTION

San Diego State- 76, Fresno State- 69