By Chris Reik

On this past Tuesday February 27th, the San Diego State Aztec’s Men’s Basketball team took on Boise State at home in Viejas arena. The Aztecs came into the game at 17-10 as the opposing Boise State Broncos were 22-6. This being a conference match up the Aztecs knew this was a big game to propel them into the mountain west tournament in hopes of winning and receiving a bid to the March Madness round of sixty-four. From the tip, the energy was high in the arena. After trading buckets early, the Broncos pulled out two a nine-point lead with a little less than ten-minutes left in the first half. Boise States Justinian Jessup had hit two three pointers to this point and it was looking as if he was going to be the player to stop. This is when Coach Brian Dutcher of the Aztec’s called a timeout and made the correct adjustments for the remainder of the half. After this there was a burst of energy from the Aztecs who went into a three-quarter court press and forced multiple steals which led to fast break points and eventually the one point lead at half time. Once the second half commenced the Aztecs knew what they had to do to keep the lead and secure the victory. Jalen McDaniel’s and Matt Mitchell led the early scoring for the Aztecs that allowed them to push their lead to eight with just a little less than ten minutes left. This lead held to for the rest of the game giving the Aztecs a 72-64 victory and improved their record to 18-10. Jalen McDaniel’s finished with 15 points and 10 rebounds making him the Aztecs leading scorer, where the Bronco’s Chandler Hutchison put up 18 on the other side. The Aztec’s are looking to finish out their regular season on a six-game win streak at home on Saturday March 3rd, as they take on the 21st ranked Nevada Wolfpack at home.