Aztecs Face Boise State: Comprehensive Scouting Report

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Aztecs Face Boise State: Comprehensive Scouting Report

The Aztecs are set to face the Boise State Broncos in a highly anticipated Mountain West matchup. This showdown will take place at Viejas Arena on Saturday at 7 p.m. The game will be broadcast live on CBS Sports Network and 760-AM. Currently, the Aztecs have an 8-4 record, including 2-0 in conference play, while the Broncos sit at 9-4 with a 1-1 record.

Historical Context of the Matchup

The Aztecs lead the all-time series against Boise State with a 20-14 record. However, Boise State has been the more successful team recently, winning 7 of the last 10 encounters. Last season, SDSU claimed victory in both regular-season meetings, but the Broncos eliminated them in the quarterfinals of the conference tournament with a 62-52 score.

Boise State Broncos: Season Overview

Season Start: The Broncos experienced a rocky beginning, losing 79-78 to Division II opponent Hawaii Pacific.
Mountain West Record: Boise State’s conference opener was marred by an 81-66 defeat against Nevada.
Key Victories: They bounced back with wins over notable teams, including:
- Utah Valley (101-77)
- Butler (77-68)
- St. Mary’s (68-67)
- New Mexico (62-53)

Despite losing their all-time leading scorer, Tyson Degenhart, the Broncos boast a well-rounded roster. Drew Fielder, a 6-11 transfer from Georgetown, is a standout player, averaging 13.5 points per game. Other contributors include Andrew Meadow (11.8), Javan Buchanan (10.8), and guard Dylan Andrews (10.0).

Although not a highly efficient shooting team, Boise State compensates with excellence on the boards. They rank second nationally in defensive rebounding, which helps limit opponents’ second-chance opportunities. Their defense ranks 20th in the nation, the best in the Mountain West.

San Diego State Aztecs: Recent Performance

The Aztecs are looking to solidify their position after securing double-digit victories against Air Force and San Jose State. However, those games were closer than the final scores suggest. SDSU has encountered challenges defending against smaller, perimeter-focused teams and will face a physically strong Boise State lineup.

Historically, SDSU has been formidable at home, with a record of 124-18 since the 2009-10 season. They maintain the best home court presence in the Mountain West. Coach Brian Dutcher’s 11-man rotation has been a topic of discussion, particularly as the team ranks ninth nationally in bench minutes (45%) and third in bench scoring (42.9 points per game).

Key Matchup Insights

Both teams are quite evenly matched according to metrics, with SDSU ranked 51st and Boise State at 52nd in the KenPom rankings. Projections suggest a close contest, possibly resulting in a 73-69 victory for the Aztecs.