LAS VEGAS — The San Diego State Aztecs’ hopes for an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament ended Saturday afternoon with a 73-62 loss to top-seeded Utah State in the Mountain West Conference championship game at UNLV’s Thomas & Mack Center. The defeat casts significant doubt on the Aztecs’ ability to secure an at-large berth, leaving their postseason fate in the hands of the selection committee.
This marked the Aztecs’ 12th appearance in the Mountain West championship game in the last 15 years, but they remain searching for consistent success on this stage, holding a 3-9 record in those contests. While past teams could often rely on a strong regular-season resume to earn an NCAA invitation even without the tournament title, this year’s situation is far more precarious.
A late-season slump, losing four of their last five games, significantly damaged San Diego State’s tournament profile. Their efforts to bolster their resume in recent weeks may prove insufficient, leaving them on the bubble as Selection Sunday approaches. The best-case scenario for the Aztecs now appears to be a trip to the First Four in Dayton, Ohio, for a play-in game – a familiar position after participating in the First Four last year.
ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunardi projected SDSU as one of the last four teams out before Saturday’s game against Utah State, according to CBS Sports. With all teams on the bubble having completed their conference tournaments, the Aztecs’ fate is sealed – Notice no more opportunities to improve their standing.
Aggies Control Championship Game Down the Stretch
Utah State took control of the game in the final minutes, fueled by a pivotal foul call and strong shooting. With 4:58 remaining and the Aztecs up by four points, Utah State’s MJ Collins drained a three-pointer. A foul was called on San Diego State’s Reese Dixon-Waters for a push-off on the screen, awarding Collins three points and a free throw opportunity, which he converted. This sequence quickly turned a four-point Aztec lead into a nine-point deficit.
Collins finished as the game’s leading scorer with 20 points, while Mountain West Player of the Year Mason Falslev added 16 points for the Aggies. Drake Allen contributed 13 points and Garry Clark added 11. San Diego State was led by Dixon-Waters with 20 points, followed by BJ Davis with 14 and Magoon Gwath with 12.
Despite a closely contested first 35 minutes, the Aztecs struggled with turnovers, committing 14 compared to just six for Utah State. The Aggies capitalized on these miscues, generating a 17-4 advantage in points off turnovers. The game was the third in 45 hours for San Diego State and the second in 18, contributing to fatigue on both sides.
Injuries Hamper Aztecs’ Depth
San Diego State faced further challenges due to injuries, limiting their bench depth. Miles Heide sustained a hand injury in Friday’s semifinal win against New Mexico and was unavailable, while Elzie Harrington was sidelined with a walking boot. This reduced the Aztecs’ rotation from 11 players to eight, impacting their ability to maintain energy throughout the grueling tournament schedule.
Both teams entered the championship game with strong motivation. For San Diego State, it was a desperate attempt to secure an NCAA Tournament berth. Utah State, already guaranteed a tournament spot, viewed the game as an opportunity for revenge, having been swept by UNLV during the regular season, including a lopsided 92-65 defeat just 11 days prior. They also avenged a regular season loss to Nevada in the semi-finals.
What’s Next for the Aztecs?
The Aztecs (22-11) now await their fate during the NCAA Tournament selection present on Sunday afternoon. While a First Four appearance remains a possibility, multiple sources indicate that San Diego State is unlikely to accept invitations to the NIT or The Crown, an eight-team event in Las Vegas, opting instead to focus on preparing for the upcoming offseason. NBC San Diego reports that a turbulent offseason is anticipated.
The selection committee faces a difficult decision with several teams vying for the final at-large bids. The Aztecs’ performance in the Mountain West Tournament, coupled with their late-season struggles, has left their tournament hopes hanging by a thread. Fans and analysts will be closely watching Sunday’s selection show to see if San Diego State can defy the odds and extend its season.
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