San Diego State vs. Utah State: 2019-20 key storylines for matchup

Will homecourt be the difference?

The Aggies’ home arena is a notoriously difficult place to play. This is no secret to teams around the league, who have time and time again struggled in games at Smith Spectrum. Dating back to last season, the Aggies are currently on a 15-game win streak at home. The venue is only more hostile for opponents as of late, considering attendance is up for home games – due to the Aggies’ sudden resurgence and recent strong play.

San Diego State is undefeated but has had its share of close calls this season, closing tight games against BYU, San Jose State, and Fresno State, while having to come from behind to win in a neutral showdown against Iowa. This ties into the aforementioned composure that this Aztec squad has displayed. This composure, focus, and team chemistry have allowed the Aztecs to pull together and win close games. However, in an extremely hostile environment, against a talented and desperate opponent – How will these specific traits be put to the test? If the Aztecs start off a bit slowly in this particular game, momentum is not on their side.

It remains to be seen if either Nathan Mensah or Neemias Queta will be playing in this game, but either way, this is sure to be a great match-up, and perhaps the most important game in the Mountain West basketball race this season. There is talent across the floor and high ambitions on both sides. Who will come out on top, and take the first-round between these two teams? We can only wait and see.