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San Diego State vs. San Jose State: Keys For An Aztecs Win
How the Aztecs can defeat the Spartans
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SDSU wants to top SJSU
San Diego State welcomes the San Jose State Spartans after struggling against a great Utah State on the road and losing 54-70. On the good side, the Aztecs return home and they have great success at Viejas Arena. Earlier in the season, San Diego State beat the Spartans in San Jose, 67- 56. Here are some keys for a San Diego State victory at 8pm MT/7pm PT.
Rebounding
In conference play, the Aztecs rebounding has really improved. However, in the blowout loss against Utah State, they really struggled. They were outrebounded 30-44 and allowed the Aggies to snatch 14 offensive rebounds in the process. Forwards Jalen Mcdaniels, Nathan Mensah, and Aguek Arop especially have to always to remember to box out and grab all the rebounds they can. If they are successful in the rebounding department vs San Jose State, the Aztecs have a great shot to win.
Devin Watson and Jalen Mcdaniels have to play well
Jalen Mcdaniels and Devin Watson have played really outstanding this season especially in conference play. However, In their Tuesday night loss at Utah State, Mcdaniels and Watson combined for only 12 points. Watson had 5 points where he struggled from the field shooting 2-14 and Mcdaniels was only a little bit better scoring 7 points on 3-10 shooting. In the win at San Jose State, they combined for 49 points.
Watson had 27 points on 50% shooting from the field(9-18) and also added in five three-pointers. Mcdaniels had 22 points(10-18) from the field and also made a pair of three-pointers. If Mcdaniels and Watson play well it means good things for the Aztecs.
Defend, Defend, Defend…
The Aztecs need to keep defending at a high rate. In Tuesday’s loss, Utah State shot 42.9% from the field. Utah State had four players score in double figures. Guard Sam Merrill led the way, in which he scored 19 points. In the victory at San Jose State, the Aztecs held the Spartans to only 35.2% shooting and only 33% from beyond the arc.
In addition, only two Spartans scored in double figures. If they defend like this like they did in San Jose, the Aztecs will surely come out on top.
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