San Diego State used hot streaks to thwart Nevada comeback attempts.
Magoon Gwath returned to play with a sleeve on his surgically repaired right knee.
The Aztecs returned home to the comfortable confines of Viejas Arena on Saturday night as they hosted the Nevada Wolf Pack in a Mountain West Conference game. 12,414 fans took in the exciting Valentines Day environment with various love themed songs as they showed love to their hometown Aztecs. Nevada meanwhile, was showing no love for the Aztecs as they took an early
6-2 lead. Reese Dixon-Waters decided enough is enough as he singlehandedly took over the game, scoring back to back baskets to tie the contest at six. Dixon-Waters would wind up leading all scorers with 20 points, two rebounds, one assist in 32 minutes of play. BJ Davis would add 14 more points and four rebounds in support. The big news was the return of Magoon Gwath from knee surgery. He came off the bench and played 13 minutes putting in 13 points and grabbing three rebounds. He was 3-3 from 3-point range, giving the Aztecs a legitimate deep threat as well as a dominating interior presence. He forced Nevada players to alter shots, blocking five shots as well.
“It felt great, Gwath added. “Lost two pounds on my leg with that brace. It was much easier to move. It was just easier to play out there. I’m moving a lot better…I feel like I’ve got my timing back with getting that brace off.”
Coach Brian Dutcher was very happy to have his big man back. “I became a much better coach today because Magoon Gwath got back on the floor. So everybody can write good things about me because I did a better job on defense. We had five blocked shots and held them to 32% shooting. Coaching’s overrated. Having good players isn’t, and I’ve got really good players that play well together, and I’m just proud of all of them.”
The Aztecs took a 36-25 lead into half, looking comfortable in their overall game plan. Nevada would fight back to tie the game at 38. A layup by Vaughn Weems started the run followed by a series of four free throws from Elijah Price, a three pointer from Corey Camper Jr., a layup by Kaleb Lowery and a slam by Price brought the Wolfpack to the tie. That was their big run and it was the Aztecs turn after this. BJ Davis contribured a three, Magoon Gwath added another three, Miles Byrd added two free throws, Davis added another three. Tae Simmons added a tip in and a jump shot to make the score 53-39. Dixon-Waters added final insult with a 23-foot shot for three and a commanding 56-39 lead. This was the 14th straight game in double figures for Dixon-Waters. The Aztecs had their own run and controlled the game for the remainder. The Aztecs would shoot 94% from the free throw line, their best performance of the season. While they lost the rebounding battle 35-30, they did control the assists going 15-7. Good ball movement and points of turnovers helped key the Aztecs’ efficient play. Nevada was led by Elijah Price with 17 points and 10 rebounds while Corey Camper Jr. added 16 more including four three-point baskets. The Aztecs are now 7-0 at home in Mountain West Conference play. Since joining the conference in the 1999 season, the Aztecs are now 175-47 at home. The Aztecs will be looking for revenge when
Grand Canyon visits the Mesa on Tuesday night. The Antelopes handed the Aztecs a loss in Phoenix last month, 70-69.
The win allows the Aztecs to stay tied with Utah State for first place in the conference. The Aggies beat a solid Memphis team in a non conference game 99-75. That experience will add tremendously to the Aggies as they finish conference play. They host Boise State next week and travel to Nevada on February 21 before the big rematch with the Aztecs on Wednesday the 25th. Other games in conference play yesterday saw Colorado State defeat rival Wyoming 79-68 in Fort Collins. Fresno State hosted Air Force and shot them down 93-63 in Fresno. Grand Canyon travelled to Silicon
Valley to face San Jose State and short circuited the Spartans efforts, winning 94-79. New Mexico had a bye and are in second place in conference play. MNevada and Grand Canyon are both tied at 9-5 for third place. UNLV and Boise State still have some game left in them as both teams solidify the middle of the pack. Fresno State, Colorado State and Wyoming round out the remainder of the teams with a chance to finish at or near .500. San Jose State and Air Force remain grounded and firmly entrenched as doormats. Air Force struggles to find basketball talent, while San Jose State has found remarkable talent, but they have fought devastating injuries, losing all their starters for various times during the season. This team might have turned a few heads if everyone had remained healthy. Tournament time is looking at in all likelihood Utah State, San Diego State and New Mexico, unless there is a surprise upset in the conference tournament. The Aztecs should be in good shape heading into the twilight of their Mountain West tenure. They might miss playing New Mexico, UNLV or Grand Canyon, but they do welcome Gonzaga to their schedule next season as part of the new Pac-12 conference. With six conference games remaining, the Aztecs can write their own love letter, all the way to the big dance. They just need to be careful to avoid some frogs along the way.
