San Diego State opened their 2014/15 campaign with a resounding 79-58 win over visiting Cal State Northridge on Friday evening. The win extends SDSU’s winning streak to a remarkable 46 games when playing teams from California.
San Diego State got off to a very sluggish start, as CSUN took at early 11-8 lead in the first half. SDSU erased the deficit by going on a 9-0 run.
The Aztecs got a spark from Arizona transfer and Hoover High School alum Angelo Chol. Chol played in his first game as an Aztec and scored eight points off of the bench. He entered the game and immediately knocked down a left-handed jump hook in the paint. Chol was initially questionable for game action on Friday night with a sore knee.
As the first half progressed, San Diego State used a suffocating defense to pressure the Matadors. Junior forward Skylar Spencer had 6 blocks, 3 steals and 8 rebounds. SDSU took a 41-21 lead into the second half.
Cal State Northridge dressed just 10 players, as five players were suspended due to an unspecified violation of team rules. The lack of depth showed later in the game, as the Matadors allowed the Aztecs to dominate the paint after a quick start.
Senior guard Aqeel Quinn led the Aztecs with 15 points off the bench. Quinn played two seasons at Cal State Northridge. Winston Shepard contributed with 14 points and J.J. O’Brien had 13 points and seven rebounds.
Stephan Hicks led CSUN with 16 points and Stephen Maxwell contributed with 15.
#16 San Diego State will play #25 Utah on Monday at Viejas Arena.