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San Diego State vs Saint Mary’s: 2020-21 college basketball game preview, TV schedule

By Jacob Stevenson

Dec 18, 2020; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego State Aztecs players celebrate on the bench after a play during the second half against the Brigham Young Cougars at Viejas Arena. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2020; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego State Aztecs players celebrate on the bench after a play during the second half against the Brigham Young Cougars at Viejas Arena. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Two of the best mid-major programs face off in San Diego State and Saint Mary’s. Here’s a look at what to watch for this game.

TV schedule: Tuesday, December 22, 9:00 pm ET. CBS Sports Network

Arena: Robert A. Mott Athletics Center in San Luis Obispo, California

The San Diego State Aztecs (5-1) are coming off the first loss of the season against BYU. Matt Mitchell was great for the Aztecs with 35 points and shot 12-17 from the field. As a team, San Diego State shot 36% and was outrebounded 40-26. However, they face a Saint Mary’s team that is (8-1) and has won 8 in a row.

It was great getting Mitchell going, Mitchell, their leading scorer from a year ago was down in terms of efficiency and points compared to last year. Double-digit scorer Jordan Schakel had 3 points and was 1-9 shooting against BYU. You can expect Schakel to bounce back against St Mary’s.

San Diego State does a really good job forcing turnovers ranking 21st in the country in turnover percentage according to Kenpom. They are also an older team ranking 10th in experience. You can expect the veteran group to be able to bounce back.

The St Mary’s Gaels have had an impressive season so far. They have won eight in a row and lost their two best players in Jordan Ford and Malik Fitts. The Gaels are coming off a 53-33 win against Colorado State their last time out. Colorado State only shot 25% from the field.

Tommy Kuhse is the player to keep an eye on for the Gaels. Kuhse a 5th year senior and former walk-on has really improved this season and has transformed into the go-to guy. Kuhse went from averaging 5.9 PPG and 3.8 APG to 15.4 PPG and 6.3 APG. He is one of the most improved players in college basketball.

Other key contributors for the Gals are Alex Ducas and Matthias Tass who are both averaging double figures. According to Kenpom, the Gaels rank 354th in the country in tempo. You can expect a slow grind it out game.

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With two teams that play at a slower pace, you assume the game will have shorter possessions. This is a great opportunity for a resume builder for two of the better programs on the West Coast. I’m going with San Diego State in a close win.

Prediction: SDSU 63- St Mary’s 61