San Diego State Aztecs upset Gonzaga Bulldogs
The San Diego State Aztecs were able to put together a full effort in their upset victory over the Gonzaga Bulldogs, winning 79-76.
San Diego State earned their first ever AP Top 25 ranking last week and were not willing to relinquish it only seven days after making school history. The Aztecs are expected to be one of the surprises
coming out of the mid-major conferences this season. San Diego State is likely to win the Mountain West Conference this year and proved they can play with the nation’s top teams, defeating the number 11 ranked Bulldogs.
Meanwhile, Gonzaga is expected to have a bounce back year in 2010-11 after a trying 2009-10 campaign. Also coming out of a mid-major conference the Bulldogs are once again are expected to be a force in
the West Coast Conference, but will have to hope the Aztecs have a solid year if they hope to develop schedule strength.
The Aztecs were step-for-step with the Bulldogs the entire game. However, their domination on the backboards, where they out rebounded Gonzaga 39-29, was too much for the Bulldogs, who lost at home for
only the fifth time since 2004.
The Aztecs got a solid effort from the entire team, but were led at the offensive end by Billy White, who was tremendous, notching 30 points, nine rebounds and two steals. White has been very good for
the Aztecs this season, averaging 18 PPG and shooting 74 per cent from the field. In addition, the club also got a strong performance from Kawhi Leonard, who managed 18 points and 12 rebounds to go along with his two steals. The club also got great contributions
from their bench players, specifically guard James Rahon, who played 29 minutes and slotted home 12 points and four rebounds.
Conversely, the Bulldogs offence was dominated by guard Steven Gray, who despite the loss had the best game of his career. Gray played 40 minutes, tallying 35 points, five assists and three rebounds. Gray
also led the Bulldogs back near the end of the game, scoring 14 of the last 15 points for the squad. The Bulldogs did get a good game from centre Robert Sacre, who managed 13 points and 11 rebounds. However, the rest of the Gonzaga’s starters and bench players
were little help at the offensive end.
San Diego State will meet the Green Bay Phoenix on Saturday 20 November, while Gonzaga will face-off against the Kansas State Wildcats on 22 November.
Tags: