San Diego State Basketball: 3 keys to beat Alabama in Sweet 16 matchup

LAHAINA, HI - NOVEMBER 23: Matt Bradley #20 of the San Diego State Aztecs drives the baseline as he is guarded by Ricky Council IV #1 of the Arkansas Razorbacks in the second half of the game during the Maui Invitational at Lahaina Civic Center on November 23, 2022 in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images) /

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San Diego State Basketball forward Nathan Mensah Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

Slow down the pace

Simply put, San Diego State can not get into a track meet with Alabama. They will lose, and it likely won’t be very close, either. Instead, the Aztecs need to play the methodical brand of basketball that has carried them to success all season long. It’s not always the most exciting play style, but the Aztecs do a fantastic job making every possession count and only running when necessary.

In fact, San Diego State ranks 261st nationally with just over 68 possessions per game. Alabama, meanwhile, ranks 6th in the country with over 76 per game and have had no issues with two teams that play generally more up-tempo in Maryland and TAMU-CC.

It’s not just the pace of play, either. The Crimson Tide feature better athletes than San Diego State and asking the Aztecs to hang with them over 40 minutes is a recipe for disaster. That’s not a knock against San Diego State’s roster, but more a reality of the type of player that Nate Oats has recruited since taking over in Tuscaloosa. SDSU would be better suited slowing things down, getting quality looks in the half-court, and getting to the free throw line and converting.