New Mexico vs SDSU in key MWC conference clash Saturday: San Diego State hosts New Mexico with not only the Mountain West Conference title on the line, but a No. 1 seed in the conference tournament and potentially a high seed in the NCAA Tournament as well.
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#21 New Mexico @ #10 San Diego St
Saturday, March 8, 10pm ET on CBS Sports Network
New Mexico (24-5, 15-2 MWC)
San Diego St (26-3, 15-2 MWC)
3 things to watch for:
Rowdy crowd on hand It’s not like the Aztecs have never had a sellout before. However, when the get in price is over 130 dollars for a Mountain West Conference game, it definitely says something about the fans who want their first conference championship since 2011. They will look to hold the Lobos offense down, which in their last trip to San Diego, were held to a season low 34 points on just 25% shooting.
Cameron Bairstow’s varied shot selection Winston Shepard of the Aztecs looks to have his hands full once again with the multi-dimensional game of Bairstow. In their last matchup (where Bairstow dropped 26 points), he illustrated the many ways he can score. He can use his 250 pound frame to create space for close shots at the basket and agile feet to blow by defenders and draw shooting fouls. If he doesn’t establish well in the post, he can always step back and hit a 12-18 foot mid-range jumper. Look for San Diego St to help down more this time around, and force Bairstow out of the lane if anything.
Xavier Thames’ poor shooting He’s never going to shoot an opponent out of the gym. However, he’s also had some pretty bad stretches where he’s been forced to shoot the ball. The one negative thing that could be said about the Aztecs come tournament time is their lack of a second scorer. Shepard has shown glimpses, but he’s still developing offensively. If San Diego St can’t hold New Mexico around 50 points, it could spell another bad Thames and overall team shooting night.
What others are saying about each team
“The Sante Fe New Mexican” describes the implications of this week for San Diego St.
Glen Rosales of “The Sun Herald” explains how in only his first season, Craig Neal has kept the winning culture left by Steve Alford going.
Kerry Miller of “Bleacherreport.com” points out that although they may not be well known, the Aztecs should be mentioned with the “elite” teams.
Raphielle Johnson of “Collegebasketballtalk.com” points to offensive improvements for why New Mexico is tied for first in the Mountain West.
