By Mike West
Our “steady as they go” Aztecs have grinded their way to a respectable 16-4 record after 20 games following their xx-xx outing on Tuesday against Wyoming. The Group of Five powerhouse, ranked 24th (in the National Coach’s Poll) have been led by Senior Jaedon LeDee and Junior Reese Waters all year. Most notably, San Diego State has demonstrated their strength as potential National Title contenders after playing the 45th toughest schedule in NCAA Men’s Basketball this year.
On December 29th, the lofty Aztecs traveled to Spokane, WA and notched a commendable 84-74 victory against the then 13th ranked Bulldogs. Led by Reese Waters’ 20 points and 9 rebounds, the Aztecs took full control of the game four minutes into the half. Jaedon DeLee added 20 points and 9 rebounds, while Darrion Trammel scored 17 points in a three man effort on offense to tame the deadly Bulldogs.
Gonzaga led most of the first half until the Aztecs overcame a 35-27 deficit to take a 38-37 lead into halftime. The Aztecs delivered Gonazga’s first home loss of the season.
In another key matchup, the Aztecs lost a close battle to Boise State this past Saturday by a 67-66 score. Jadeon LeDee led the charge with 13 points and 8 rebounds, while Reese Waters followed with 10 points. The normally balanced offensive effort from San Diego State was stunted by an effective defensive effort from the Broncos.
Boise State took the lead for good 13 minutes into the second half. Holding a solid four point lead with six minutes remaining in the game, the Aztecs posted the one point loss off a last second three point shot from Lamont Butler. —
San Diego State followed their Saturday loss with a 81-56 rout at home against Wyoming. Jaedon Ledee dropped 17 points and had 7 rebounds, Darrien Trammel added 12 points, while Lamont Butler scored a team leading 23 points. The contest was close in the first half, as the Aztecs never led by more than 5 points. The Cowboys remained close, going into halftime only down 34-36.
Wyoming began the second half in charge as they took a 41-36 lead with 16 minutes remaining. Ledee then started the comeback with a layup, followed by a free throw to complete a key three point play, and Trammell followed with a couple of buckets. Butler surged from that point, adding 12 of his 23 points to close out the pesky Cowboys.
Entering the final third of their 2023-2024 campaign, the Aztecs are positioned to impress the March Madness Selection Committee in an effort to match their magical Final Four appearance last March.
