NCAA Basketball: Duke, Arizona, Texas rise in latest top 25 power ranking
By Joey Loose
18. San Diego State (27-6)
The Mountain West has been an intriguing and competitive conference this season but San Diego State was always the best among the group. The Aztecs proved that with their 15-3 mark in conference play, led by an effective offense and talented defense. Brian Dutcher’s squad wasn’t as flawless as that great team from a few seasons ago, but these Aztecs play mean basketball.
At the MWC Tournament, the Aztecs struggled in the quarterfinals but still got a 64-61 win against Colorado State, with Lamont Butler’s 16 points the high mark. Friday was better, with a 64-49 win over San Jose State in the semifinals. Keshad Johnson and Darrion Trammell both had 15 points in a strong defensive effort. San Diego State won the MWC Tournament championship on Saturday evening with a 62-57 win over rival Utah State. The Aztecs were just 10% from beyond the arc but got 16 points from Bradley and used their defense to claim another conference title.
With due respect to Saint Mary’s, who beat this team back in December, there may be no more dangerous mid-major than this San Diego State squad, other than perhaps Gonzaga. The Aztecs have been downright smothering on defense at times this season and have the playmakers on both sides of the ball to win games in the NCAA Tournament. Expect something like a 5-seed for the Aztecs.