In a thrilling matchup at Viejas Arena on Tuesday night, the San Diego State Aztecs overcame the challenges of a shorthanded roster to clinch a significant victory over the New Mexico Lobos, who were leading the Mountain West Conference. The game concluded with a score of 72-67, providing a much-needed boost for the Aztecs, who had previously lost to the Lobos 79-67 earlier in the season. The Aztecs were missing key players, including Matt Bradley due to an ankle sprain. Despite this setback, the team displayed remarkable resilience, led by a balanced scoring effort from several players. Josiah Allick contributed 14 points and seven rebounds, while Lamont Butler added 12 points. Boyd was particularly instrumental, leading all scorers with 17 points, showcasing his ability to step up in critical moments. The Aztecs’ defense stifled the Lobos, who were unable to find their rhythm. New Mexico’s Jamal Mashburn Jr. managed to score 16 points, but his efforts were not enough to change the outcome. This pivotal win propels the Aztecs into a stronger position within the conference standings, as head coach Brian Dutcher emphasized the importance of the victory, stating, ‘We had a lot of guys step up, and that’s what we need as we move forward.’ The Aztecs now look to build on this momentum as they prepare for their next matchups in the season.
Shorthanded Aztecs Defeat First-Place New Mexico, Avenge Earlier Loss
