The Viejas Arena crowd witnessed a career-defining performance from sophomore Miles Byrd as the San Diego State Aztecs cruised to a 75-60 victory over Colorado State on Tuesday night. Byrd’s electric outing—25 points, seven steals, and five three-pointers—propelled the Aztecs to an impressive Mountain West win.

Byrd’s stat line, a combination of efficiency and tenacity, placed him in elite company. He became only the second NCAA player this season to tally at least 25 points and seven steals in a single game, joining Long Beach State’s Devin Askew. His seven steals also tied the most by an Aztec in a Mountain West game and matched a program record since 1996-97.

Fast Start, Strong Finish

The Rams struck first, seizing an early 11-8 lead. However, Wayne McKinney III and Pharaoh Compton sparked an 8-0 Aztecs run, flipping the momentum in San Diego State’s favor. Byrd’s 15 first-half points, including 11 in the final nine minutes, ensured the Aztecs maintained control. A buzzer-beating three-pointer by BJ Davis gave SDSU a 35-29 lead at halftime.

The Aztecs dominated the second half, with Byrd’s hot hand pushing their advantage to double digits early. San Diego State led by as many as 20 points, fueled by suffocating defense and efficient shooting. The team capitalized on 20 Colorado State turnovers, converting them into a decisive 22-8 points-off-turnovers edge. As SDSU outscored the Rams 20-2 in bench points, bench contributions added further depth.

Byrd’s Breakout

Byrd’s growth as a leader and playmaker has been evident this season, and Tuesday’s performance showcased his fearless style.
“Anybody who watches him play would say he plays unafraid,” said head coach Brian Dutcher.
Byrd’s confidence in pulling up from deep and relentless defense solidified his role as a cornerstone for the Aztecs.

Balanced Contributions

While Byrd stole the spotlight, his teammates provided critical support. BJ Davis scored 12 points, marking his ninth double-figure game of the season, and Magoon Gwath anchored the paint with nine points and a game-high seven rebounds. McKinney III added nine points off the bench, and Compton went a perfect 4-for-4 from the field.

Key Trends and Streaks

The Aztecs extended their streak of 11 consecutive wins when leading with five minutes to play. Additionally, they improved to 37-1 in their last 38 games following a loss when playing at home, underscoring their resilience. In five straight meetings, SDSU has defeated Colorado State by double digits at Viejas Arena.

Looking Ahead

San Diego State (11-4, 4-2 Mountain West) aims to maintain its momentum when it hosts UNLV on Saturday at 5 p.m. on CBS Sports Network. With Byrd emerging as a star and the team firing on all cylinders, the Aztecs appear primed for a strong second half of the season.

Photos by Brooke Berg