The San Diego State Aztecs have had several close calls this season against inferior opponents. There was no escape on Saturday night.
SDSU trailed by as many as 18 in the second half and lost to the Fresno State Bulldogs, 59-57, at the Save Mart Center in Fresno.
Fresno State (6-9, 1-1) never trailed in this game, as they jumped out to an early 10-0 lead. Fresno State star Marvelle Harris started the scoring with a three and the Bulldogs never looked back. Harris led all scorers with 25.
San Diego State (11-4, 1-1), never found an offensive rhythm in the first half. The team opened the game with missed shots and turnovers, before Winston Shepard got the Aztecs on the board with a three. Shepard finished the game with 12 points, and fouled out late in the game.
The game appeared to be heading towards a blowout, with the score 40-23 in the second half, but SDSU erupted for a 17-0 run. Sophomore Matt Shrigley hit two three pointers and had a put-back on a missed throw to tie the game at 40.
Fresno State buckled down on defense and proceeded to go on a 9-1 run to pull away. Julien Lewis had 14 and Paul Watson scored 12 for the Bulldogs.
Aqeel Quinn led the Aztecs with 19 and Matt Shrigley had 14 off the bench. San Diego State also turned the ball over 18 times, while Fresno State had just six.