SAN DIEGO, Calif. — The San Diego State Aztecs overcame the odds to defeat the New Mexico Lobos 73-65, showcasing resilience and strategy during this pivotal Mountain West Conference matchup on February 25, 2025, at the sold-out Viejas Arena. The game marked New Mexico's second consecutive loss and allowed San Diego State to maintain their momentum as they position themselves for the postseason.
Despite the Lobos having standout point guard Donovan Dent, who scored 26 points, the Aztecs' defense proved too effective at containing the rest of the high-scoring New Mexico team, which is known for averaging 83 points per game. San Diego State’s Nicholas Boyd led the way for the Aztecs, scoring 17 points and contributing seven rebounds and six assists, reinforcing his role as one of the team's key players.
The game began on a high note, with both teams exchanging baskets and establishing their offensive rhythm early on. New Mexico, aiming to bounce back from their recent loss to Boise State, came out strong. Both teams scored with impressive efficiency until San Diego State began to gain control, fueled by Boyd's sharp shooting and assertive plays from Miles Byrd, who added 13 points and nine rebounds.
Head coach Brian Dutcher was proud of his squad's performance, commenting after the game, "That gave us a chance," referring to the Aztecs' ability to rally and hold off the Lobos during tight moments. San Diego State maintained grit throughout the game, demonstrating both tenacity and tactical prowess, particularly during the key stretches when they needed to reclaim their lead.
The game's first half was tightly contested. It was not until the latter part of the first half, with San Diego State trailing by three points, when they began to gain momentum. A pivotal hook shot by Miles Heide followed by solid defensive plays allowed the Aztecs to turn the flow of the game, which was highlighted by Boyd's timely three-pointer to end the half with San Diego State leading 33-29.
After halftime, the Aztecs surged forward, quickly extending their lead. Following several productive plays, including jumpers and layups, San Diego State built their lead to double digits. Even with their early success, the Lobos aimed to fight back, showing resilience, particularly through Dent's efforts, but they struggled to find consistent offensive support from the rest of their team.
Although Donovan Dent's performance was commendable, marking another day of high achievement for the budding star, he highlighted how challenging it was to score against the Aztecs’ disciplined defense. "We knew we had to be physical to compete, but credit to SDSU, they really stepped up their game tonight," Dent stated, exemplifying the challenges faced amid the intense competition.
Throughout the contest, San Diego State was able to shut down key offensive players, making it difficult for New Mexico to establish any threatening scoring runs. Nelly Junior Joseph, known for his powerful rebounding and scoring, was limited, and could not replicate his earlier success against the Aztecs from their previous match this season, where New Mexico had handed San Diego State their biggest defeat.
One of the major themes throughout the game was the physicality and toughness displayed by San Diego State. Miles Heide noted, "This is the mentality we came with; gotta be more physical regardless of what happens." The Aztecs' physical approach was instrumental, allowing them to maintain control over the pace of the game, eventually shaking off any competitive bouts from their opponents.
This game is of considerable importance not just for standings but also for the confidence of the two teams as they head toward the postseason. For San Diego State, this victory provided them with valuable momentum, especially after their recent loss to Utah State. The Aztecs now sit with an overall record of 19-7 and 12-5 in the Mountain West, firmly placing them as contenders amid tight competition.
The Lobos, conversely, will need to regroup quickly, with upcoming matchups against Air Force, Nevada, and UNLV—games they will watch closely as they seek to maintain their edge atop the Mountain West standings.
Overall, this game was a key showcasing of the Aztecs' resolve, strategy, and depth, reflecting why they remain formidable opponents and showing the Lobos the challenges they face moving forward. San Diego State will next face Wyoming, aiming to continue their winning ways as they head to the postseason.