NCAA Basketball: Arizona, Iowa State, Houston rise in latest top 25 power rankings

22. San Diego State (18-6)

There are some different faces on this year’s Aztecs squad, but it’s the same goal as always in San Diego. Reaching the NCAA Tournament alone certainly wasn’t where last season ended, as San Diego State marched to the national title game, but this year’s squad looks like a potent, hungry unit that could be a fiend in the postseason yet again.

Unfortunately, it was yet another imperfect week for the Aztecs, though it started in style. They made relatively quick work on Tuesday night, winning 77-64 at Air Force after leading big at the half. Reese Waters led all scorers with 15 points while Jaedon LeDee added 14 points and 9 rebounds. The Aztecs then lost an overtime thriller on Friday night, falling 70-66 at Nevada in the extra period. LeDee had 20 points, but San Diego State had a poor shooting night and fell just short on the road again.

Just three of San Diego State’s last nine games have come at home, and it’s hard to call any of their recent road losses as upsets, considering they’ve come against top-tier MWC teams in Quad 1 opportunities. The Aztecs look strong and LeDee can fill the stat sheet even on what starts as an off night. They’ll look to shake off that tough game with two important matchups at home this week as both Colorado State and New Mexico come to town.