New Headline: Lions of the Mountains Bested Stormy Cyclones in Heart-Pounding Clash!
Aztecs advance to 8th MW Title game in nine years!
(Photo courtesy of San Diego State Athletics) If you were looking for a First Four game that technically wasn’t a First Four game, look no further than Friday’s Mountain West semifinal between New Mexico and San Diego State. If you’ve followed our weekly bracketology columns, the two longtime rivals were on the bubble essentially the entire season, with Friday’s winner gaining a big advantage for an at-large bid ahead of Saturday’s Tournament title game, with the loser going home — figuratively and literally. And it didn’t disappoint.
The two traded blows like a 12-round heavyweight, though San Diego State prevailed, securing a 64-62 win inside Thomas & Mack Center. Neither side gave an inch, especially in the halfcourt; they combined to shoot 36. 8 percent from the floor and 28.
6 percent from 3-point range with 24 turnovers. It was a classic Mountain West rock fight. New Mexico’s Deyton Albury, who was said on the broadcast to be nicknamed “Lobo Cop” due to the protective sunglasses he was prescribed after being poked in the eye, unabashedly took on five Aztec defenders in semi-transition, tying the game with roughly 25 seconds left.
However, Aztec guard BJ Davis, a hero in their meeting in January, provided more late-game fireworks, giving SDSU the lead with 2. 1 seconds left. BJ DAVIS OMG This game!