NCAA Basketball: Texas and Creighton rises, Gonzaga falls in latest top 25 power ranking
By Joey Loose
25. San Diego State (18-5)
Three years ago, San Diego State blitzed through its schedule and looked like one of the nation’s best programs. They might not be getting that same level of attention this season, but this year’s Aztecs still play fantastically efficient basketball, even if they’ve racked up five losses already. Some of their MWC rivals had a much easier time in non-conference play, but the Aztecs sit atop the conference and are playing very well on both sides of the ball.
Not everything is going according to plan, as the Aztecs fell 75-66 at Nevada back on Tuesday night in a tough outcome. Matt Bradley led the team with 16 points but the defense didn’t have their best performance. Friday’s outcome was much more what we expect out of this program, as San Diego State made quick work of a very good Boise State team in a 72-52 win. Nathan Mensah was outstanding with 17 points and 6 rebounds, keying a marvelous effort on both sides of the ball.
San Diego looks great in the metrics and looked better than great in that first half against the Broncos on Friday night. If they play to their full potential, getting those kinds of performances from Mensah, Adam Seiko, and others, then this is a team to fear in March. We’ll see if that defense can really get going too, starting with a tough road test at Utah State in the middle of next week.