San Diego State Basketball: 3 keys to upsetting UConn in the Sweet Sixteen

The Aztecs must shoot better than they did in their last meeting

The first key to an upset for San Diego State may be simplistic in theory but the most difficult in execution is to shoot the ball well. In last year's title game, Connecticut made it extremely difficult for the Aztecs to execute offensively. As a result, they shot 32% from the field and just 6-23 from beyond the arc, more than 9% lower than their season averages in both categories. For the Aztecs to have a shot at knocking off the champs they must avoid a repeat of last spring.

Shooting the ball well doesn’t mean the Aztecs have to speed things up, in fact, that might be to their detriment as they like to play at a slower pace. They are 266th in adjusted tempo with an average possession length of 17 seconds, so they have to find better shots within their offense. They do with movement, both with and without the ball. The ball can’t get sticky in the hands of a ball handler making it easy for UConn to defend.

Quick ball movement will open space for them to get up more open shots. Ball movement will also open up driving lanes to get into the lane as will movement off the ball. Forcing the Huskies to defend deep into the shot clock by chasing around guys coming off multiple screens will lead to more space for Jaedon LeDee and the Aztec guards to operate.