Aztecs Familiar with Final Four Rivals Michigan and Arizona from Season
San Diego State University’s head coach Brian Dutcher recently traveled to Indianapolis for the culmination of the college basketball season. He is set to watch powerhouse teams Michigan and Arizona clash in the Final Four, an event anticipated to be historically significant.
Aztecs Face Tough Competition
Dutcher’s Aztecs experienced earlier encounters with both teams during the fall. On November 24, 2022, they faced Michigan in Las Vegas, suffering a heavy 94-54 defeat. In a subsequent game on December 20, they met Arizona in a neutral-court contest in Phoenix and lost 68-45. Both matches highlighted the physical dominance of these teams.
- Against Michigan: Aztecs were within nine at halftime, but lost by 40 points.
- Against Arizona: Leading 27-20 at one point, they were outperformed and lost by 23.
“We were competitive at halftime in both games,” Dutcher noted. “However, their size and strength ultimately wore us down.” The Aztecs are one of six teams this season opposing the current top two teams in Kenpom’s analytics, with Michigan and Arizona performing impressively throughout the season.
Performance Metrics
The Wolverines have demonstrated a strong 6-1 record, only losing to Purdue in the Big Ten tournament, while Arizona remains undefeated at 6-0. Both teams average scoring margins above 17 points, and they rank as the third and fourth highest all-time in the Kenpom metric, behind only two legendary Duke teams.
| Team | Record | Average Winning Margin |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan | 6-1 | 17.1 points |
| Arizona | 6-0 | 17.5 points |
Michigan excels defensively, boasting a 16.8% block rate, while Arizona ranks fifth in offensive rebounding nationally. This physicality has been a major challenge for opponents like San Diego State.
Key Players and Strategies
Dutcher pointed out key match-ups, particularly with Michigan’s 7-foot-3 center Aday Mara serving as a significant rim protector. He emphasized the importance of defensive rebounding, where Arizona overwhelmed the Aztecs, securing a staggering 20 offensive boards in their game.
“With their size, both teams present unique challenges,” Dutcher remarked. “It will come down to whether Michigan can handle Arizona’s physical play around the basket.” Coach Tommy Lloyd of Arizona noted the importance of adaptability, discussing the team’s ability to win even when their shooting isn’t optimal.
Final Four Outlook
As Michigan and Arizona prepare for their eagerly awaited matchup in the Final Four, predictions suggest a close contest. The Kenpom metric indicates an 80-79 advantage for Michigan. However, Dutcher acknowledges the unpredictable nature of a single-elimination tournament.
“In this format, anything can happen,” he stated. “Despite the metrics, the winner will be determined on the court.” Both teams possess the talent and depth needed for success. The excitement surrounding this showdown promises a thrilling addition to NCAA history.
