Mid-major Basketball power rankings: Rhode Island, New Mexico State make moves
2. San Diego State Aztecs (23-0, 12-0 in Mountain West)
If the Aztecs were going to lose in league play, you would’ve assumed it would’ve come in the last three games. It was on the road at both UNLV and New Mexico in hostile environments, as well as at home against a desperate Utah State squad who needed a season-defining win for their resume. None could beat San Diego State, or at least for all 40 minutes.
The defense for this team continues to be strong but it’s the offense that makes them a national title contender. Matt Mitchell went for 28 against the Aggies, while KJ Feagin scored a combined 33 points in the last two games. If his scoring production gets even close to what it was at Santa Clara, San Diego State will be even more of a problem going forward.
1. Gonzaga Bulldogs (24-1,10-0 in WCC)
Killian Tillie just can’t catch a break. The often-injured senior suffered an ankle injury in the game against Santa Clara and has been out since. That included the road matchup against San Francisco, where the Bulldogs found themselves down as many as 12 points in the first half. It was a one-possession game all the way until the final seconds, with the Bulldogs pulling ahead, 83-79.
Despite having a six-man rotation the last couple of weeks and without arguably their best player, Gonzaga still has been scoring 80+ ppg. That’s due to freshman Drew Timme‘s great play, averaging 18 ppg in the last two games after being inserted into the starting lineup. Filip Petrusev has been great as the go-to player, including going for a career-high 31 points against Santa Clara.
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The Bulldogs are going into the roughest stretch of league play, with road matchups against both Saint Mary’s and BYU coming up. But if Tillie is able to come back to contribute his usual numbers (should be back for the Gaels game), the Bulldogs will be favored to get through those tests.