San Diego State Finally Overcomes Grand Canyon, 86-61
The Aztecs put everyone’s Dan Majerle-induced anxieties at ease.
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San Diego State finally dominates Grand Canyon at Viejas Arena.
San Diego State went into Wednesday’s game looking to finally turn the page on a lopsided “rivalry.” In the short time GCU had started as a for-profit university with a basketball team, the Aztecs have not been able to beat the Dan Majerle-led Antelopes.
Because of this year’s blip in non-conference scheduling, San Diego State had to enter another home-and-home with the Antelopes.
Whatever Brian Dutcher had said to this team over the course of the 4 days after the high of finally beating BYU in Provo, or maybe shown them the hospitality rolled out to the traveling GCU student section…
Something clicked for the Aztecs on Wednesday night.
The team shot 54.7% on field goals, and shot 48.1% from beyond the arc. Three players were in double-digits, Nathan Mensah, K.J. Feagin and Malachi Flynn. Nathan Mensah put things together on the floor and was one rebound shy of a double-double. If his offense keeps up with his defense Mensah will be a force on offense.
A big part of the reason San Diego State stayed ahead throughout the game was that the Antelopes were missing two starters. San Diego State’s 6’10” dudes, Mensah and Yanni Metzell frustrated looks and forced Grand Canyon to put up unfavorable shots. Alessandro Lever was the only 6’10” that could hang with the Aztecs but foul trouble limited his minutes and by the 7:42 mark he had fouled out.
San Diego State allowed 4 of the Antelopes to score over 10 points, however, they were efficient and only allowing a 36.5% field goal parentage from the floor. They forced more turnovers, and the Aztecs were playing vintage Aztecs basketball at home. It was a good exercise for the Aztecs to put the game away instead of letting Grand Canyon come back in it.
Up next is a tune-up game for the Aztecs at the other end of Mission Valley to play in the City Championship against the USD Toreros.
