A two-game Mountain West Conference series gets started on Thursday, January 14, 2021, when the San Diego State Aztecs (9-2, 3-1) visit the Utah State Aggies (9-3, 6-0). Utah State is currently in second place in the MWC and are one game back of the 8-0 Boise State Broncos. San Diego State sits in fourth place and are three games back of Boise. This game will air live on CBS Sports Network at 9:00 p.m. EST.
Through 11 games, San Diego State is averaging 72.1 points per game and are shooting 44.6% from the field. The Aztecs are averaging 34.4 rebounds and 13.8 assists per game so far this season. Matt Mitchell leads SDSU with 15.8 points, Nathan Mensah has a team high 7.4 rebounds, and Trey Pulliam is dishing out 3.3 assists per game. Defensively, the Aztecs are allowing 60.7 points and are averaging 3.5 blocks and 7.9 steals per game. San Diego State is currently on a three-game winning streak.
After 12 games, Utah State is averaging 77.8 points per game and are shooting 46.6% from the field. The Aggies are also averaging 42.2 rebounds and 16.3 assists per game. Marco Anthony leads the team with 12.9 points per game and Neemias Queta has a team high 7.4 rebounds and 3.2 assists. Defensively, Utah State is allowing 60.5 points per game, 4.8 blocks, and 7.2 steals. Utah State is currently on an eight-game winning streak.
San Diego State Aztecs at Utah State Aggies (-1.5): O/U 130.5 (-110/-110)
Last time out, San Diego State narrowly secured a two-game sweep over Nevada with a 69-67 win thanks to a Trey Pullman made jumper as time expired. San Diego State led by as many as 10-points in this one while Nevada never got more than a two-point lead. Matt Mitchell led the Aztecs with 20 points, eight rebounds, and three assists on the night. SDSU shot just 43.4% (23-53) from the field and 31.8% (7-22) from three-point land. The difference maker for SDSU was at the free throw line where they shot 80% after making 16 of their 20 free throws. Defensively, the Aztecs held Nevada to 45.3% (24-53) from the field and 35.0% (7-20) from beyond the arc. Each team had 13 turnovers in the final game of the series.
Utah State finished off a two-game road sweep with an 82-46 win over the New Mexico Lobos. The Lobos never led in this game and led by double-digits from 16:26 remaining in the first half until the end of the game. It was a total demolition by Utah State Friday night. Justin Bean led the team with 13 points and 13 rebounds, eight offensive and five defensive. Steven Ashworth dished out a team high five assists on the night. Four players scored double-digits and eight guys scored at least six points on the night. Utah State couldn’t miss as they shot 50.8% (32-63) from the field and 43.8% (7-16) from the three-point line. New Mexico was held to 31.1% (19-61) from the field and 23.8% (5-21) from beyond the arc.
Series History: San Diego State leads the all-time series 13-3, but Utah State won the most recent meeting back in last season’s MWC tournament.
Game Prediction: I like Utah State -1.5 to get the cover and to extend their winning streak to nine games.
2020-2021 CBB Pick Record: 1-1
