San Diego State Aztecs vs Utah State Aggies Picks and Predictions December 28th 2024

MWC Powers Clash as Utah State Visits No. 20 San Diego State

Two of the Mountain West Conference’s perennial contenders will collide on Saturday as No. 20 San Diego State hosts Utah State in a marquee conference matchup. Both teams are coming off strong starts to the season and aim to solidify their positions in the competitive MWC standings.

San Diego State: Building on a Strong Nonconference Resume

San Diego State (8-2, 1-0 MWC) has climbed to No. 20 in the AP poll and rides a five-game winning streak into Saturday’s clash. The Aztecs’ rigorous nonconference schedule included wins over Creighton, Houston, and UC San Diego, with only losses to Gonzaga and Oregon.

“We had as good a nonconference as we could have had with the schedule we played,” Aztecs coach Brian Dutcher said. “A loss to Gonzaga, a loss to Oregon, that’s nothing to hang your head over. We put a good resume together.”

The Aztecs are led by senior guard Nick Boyd, a transfer from Florida Atlantic who averages a team-high 13.4 points per game. Boyd, who faced San Diego State in the 2023 Final Four, has seamlessly adjusted to Dutcher’s system. Miles Byrd has also emerged as a key contributor, raising his scoring average to 13.0 points per game, while BJ Davis adds 11.2 points.

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Saturday marks the first of two regular-season meetings between these teams, with their next clash scheduled for Feb. 22 in Logan, Utah. Given their shared dominance in the MWC, a potential third meeting in the conference tournament feels inevitable. San Diego State and Utah State have combined to appear in every MWC championship game since 2018, facing each other in four of the last six finals.

Utah State: A Historic Start and Continued Momentum

Utah State (11-1, 1-0 MWC) enjoyed a program-best 10-0 start this season before a narrow two-point loss to UC San Diego on Dec. 17. The Aggies rebounded with a victory in their MWC opener, setting the stage for Saturday’s pivotal showdown.

First-year head coach Jerrod Calhoun inherited a veteran core from Danny Sprinkle’s 2023 squad, and the continuity has paid dividends. The Aggies are led by Mason Falslev (17.3 points per game), Ian Martinez (17.0), and Karson Templin (10.3), all of whom were key contributors last season. This experienced trio looks to build on Utah State’s NCAA Tournament success, which included the program’s first win in March Madness since 2001.

“They’ve shown that year after year, but these guys have the ‘it factor,’” Calhoun said. “The outcomes will be there if you really take the process to heart.”

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The Aggies aim to avenge last season’s 86-70 loss to San Diego State in the MWC tournament semifinals. With their balanced scoring and commitment to improvement, Utah State poses a formidable challenge to the Aztecs on their home court.

Outlook for Saturday

Both teams bring high-powered offenses and deep rosters into Viejas Arena, setting up a battle that could have significant implications for the MWC standings. For San Diego State, defending its home court will be key in maintaining momentum and national relevance. Utah State, meanwhile, will look to prove its mettle against a ranked opponent and strengthen its case as one of the top teams in the conference.

The stakes are high, and Saturday’s game could serve as a preview of another potential showdown in the MWC tournament.