Bracketology 2021: Michigan State, Oklahoma State, Louisville among big winners
By Joey Loose
San Diego State
We’ll continue our theme by looking at another solid mid-major program, though it’s another certainly disappointed by what the national pandemic has done to college basketball. San Diego State was one of the best teams in the country last season and certainly had the roster to make a Final Four run had the Tournament taken place. Some of that talent may be gone, but what’s left behind has been playing phenomenal ball as of late.
San Diego State got two more wins with huge implications as they swept Boise State at home. Both of the games were nail-biters, but Matt Mitchell helped lead the way for the Aztecs. Mitchell had 24 points in the overtime win on Thursday and hit the late, clutch free throws on Saturday afternoon to secure the 4-point win.
These two wins have an immense meaning for the Aztecs. Now 19-4, their 13-3 mark in MWC play cannot be surpassed by the now 14-5 Broncos. The MWC is much tougher than last season, but the Aztecs might be playing the best ball of the bunch. They’ve now won ten straight games; the first eight by double-digits worked their way back into the AP Top 25, and look like a tough out in March.
Anything can happen with the Selection Committee, but it sure looks like San Diego State is already an NCAA Tournament team. All that’s left for the Aztecs is the MWC Tournament, and they’ll look to avenge last year’s buzzer-beating loss to Utah State. When you factor in their NET, currently sitting in the low 20’s, the Aztecs should Dance.