San Diego State vs New Mexico: 2019-20 college basketball game preview, TV schedule
By Joey Loose
San Diego State and New Mexico face off in a big time MWC clash; can the Aztecs extend their perfect season or will the Lobos pull off a huge one at home?
TV schedule: Wednesday, January 29, 9:00 pm ET. CBSSN
Arena: Dreamstyle Arena in Albuquerque, New Mexico
At this point in the season, it’s almost impossible for San Diego State (21-0) to be faring any better than they currently are. They remain the only unbeaten team in the nation and just set a program record with their 21st straight victory. They’ve won their first ten MWC games, including a tight win at UNLV this past weekend. Brian Dutcher’s squad has handled everything that’s been thrown at them to this point.
On this remarkable team, there’s a great spread of talent, though none shine as brightly as junior guard Malachi Flynn (16.8 ppg, 4.9 apg). Flynn keyed the Aztecs with 21 points at UNLV and is certainly the team’s most potent offensive weapon. Another name to watch is senior forward Yanni Wetzell (12.0 ppg, 6.4 rpg), who has really developed in the interior, especially as the team’s best rebounder. The recent play of junior forward Matt Mitchell (11.1 ppg, 4.7 rpg) has been impressive as well, especially as he has transitioned into the starting lineup.
Sitting at 2nd in NET, 4th in the AP Top 25, and 8th in KenPom, the metrics and voters seem to agree that this team’s hot start is no joke. This team ranks 7th in defensive efficiency, giving up just 57 ppg this year. They’ve been particularly impressive defending long-range, though free throws have been a timely struggle this season. All of this has come together for a perfect start to the season, but will it last?
The latest to attempt to end the perfect season is New Mexico (16-6), a team that’s had quite the up and down season. Amidst player issues, Paul Weir’s team has played solid basketball at times, though it’s been rough in recent weeks. They’ve lost three of their last four games by more than 20 points, though all of those contests came on the road. At home, where they haven’t lost this season, all bets are off.
One big distraction has been the suspension and dismissal of senior forward Carlton Bragg Jr. (12.6 ppg, 10.3 rpg), whose impact on the court was outstanding the first few months of the season. In his absence, senior guard JaQuan Lyle (17.1 ppg, 4.9 apg) has really stood out. Junior guard Zane Martin (10.7 ppg, 2.7 apg) led the Lobos with 23 points in their last outing while senior forward Corey Manigault (12.0 ppg, 4.9 rpg) has been all over the court.
New Mexico ranks 119th in NET rankings and 126th in KenPom. They were definitely a top 100 team with Bragg and others in the lineup, but this team still has some firepower. They score more than 80 points a game and play at a fast pace. They’ll be greatly tested by this Aztecs defense, though a little home-court advantage never hurt.
For the Aztecs, the road to a 22nd straight win comes by playing a more tough defense on the road. They need to avoid foolish mistakes early and maintain that defensive pressure and intensity that has gotten them this far. For the Lobos, they’ll need that high-powered offense to show up in a big way, especially against their greatest test of the season. They’ll need to be better grabbing boards, especially to give them second chances in this game.
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At this point, it seems like nothing can faze San Diego State, but every MWC game is truly a battle. If this Lobos offense struggles, this will be another victory for the Aztecs. I don’t expect San Diego State to shut them down defensively, but I think they’ll do enough to limit and frustrate the Lobos. However, it’s very possible that a hot-shooting night could deteriorate the Aztec’s perfect start.