San Diego State Aztecs vs California Baptist Lancers Picks and Predictions December 11th 2024

No. 23 SDSU Brings Offensive Depth into Showdown with Cal Baptist

The San Diego State Aztecs, riding high as the No. 23 team in the AP Top 25, look to maintain their momentum on Wednesday night when they host the Cal Baptist Lancers in San Diego.

After navigating a grueling early-season schedule featuring matchups against three ranked opponents, the Aztecs (6-2) have hit their stride with back-to-back victories over Fresno State and San Diego. Meanwhile, Cal Baptist (5-4) is coming off a tough loss to UCF after an impressive double-overtime win against Fresno State.

Aztecs Show Depth and Balance

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San Diego State’s success this season has been powered by its depth and balanced scoring. The Aztecs have a roster that can step up when key players falter, as seen in their 74-57 win over San Diego.

Guard Nick Boyd, who leads the team with 12.6 points per game, continued his consistent play with 17 points and six assists against the Toreros. While standout freshman center Magoon Gwath, who scored 25 points in a dominant performance against Fresno State, struggled against San Diego due to a hard fall, the Aztecs’ depth compensated.

Jared Coleman-Jones and Miles Byrd each scored 13 points, showcasing the team’s ability to spread the scoring load. Head coach Brian Dutcher praised his team’s offensive versatility:

“The depth of this team is really dangerous for people. You can take one guy away, but the other guy steps up. We have so many guys who can have a big night, and that’s a special part about this team.”

Cal Baptist Leans on Dominique Daniels

Cal Baptist enters the game with a marquee player in senior guard Dominique Daniels Jr., who ranks 12th nationally in scoring at 21.7 points per game. Daniels delivered a season-high 33 points in a loss to UCF but received little support, as no other Lancer scored more than six points.

Head coach Rick Croy emphasized Daniels’ leadership on and off the court:

“Before you even get into his game, you have to talk about his character and his leadership because it’s real. … He’s an improved passer and has grown as a defensive player.”

The Lancers struggled offensively against UCF, with the team shooting just 28.1 percent outside of Daniels. They’ll need more balanced production to contend with San Diego State’s depth.

Keys to the Game

For SDSU

• Defensive Prowess: The Aztecs’ ability to limit Daniels will be crucial. They’ve shown they can clamp down on elite players, holding Houston’s potent offense in check during a statement win earlier this season.
• Offensive Contributions: With multiple players capable of stepping up, SDSU’s balanced attack will test Cal Baptist’s defensive rotations.

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For Cal Baptist

• Supporting Cast: Daniels can’t do it alone. The Lancers will need players like Tre Armstrong and Reed Nottage to contribute offensively and stretch the Aztecs’ defense.
• Turnover Management: Cal Baptist committed 19 turnovers in its loss to UCF. Against an opportunistic SDSU squad, ball security will be critical.

Historical Context

This game marks Cal Baptist’s first meeting with a ranked opponent since a loss to then-No. 8 Arizona in December 2021. The Lancers will be eager to prove they can compete against elite competition, while the Aztecs aim to solidify their place among the nation’s top teams.

With its depth and home-court advantage, San Diego State is the favorite, but Cal Baptist’s high-scoring Daniels could make things interesting in what promises to be an exciting in-state matchup.