March 2, 2004
AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. (AP) - Nick Welch scored 17 points and Air Force used its stifling defense to shut down San Diego State 62-49 on Monday night and clinch its first-ever conference title.
Air Force (21-5, 11-2 Mountain West Conference) had never before finished higher than sixth place, when it was in the Western Athletic Conference.
Air Force held San Diego State's Brandon Heath scoreless and allowed Chris Walton just two points. Heath went into the game averaging 14.5 points and Walton was averaging 8.8.
Air Force had a 19-10 turnover advantage over San Diego State (14-14, 5-8).
Joel Gerlach had 14 points for Air Force. Tim Keller and Antoine Hood each scored 12.
Aerick Sanders had 15 points for San Diego State and Wesley Stokes added 13.
Air Force led 25-20 at halftime but hit 3-pointers in consecutive possessions by Keller and Welch to take a 31-20 led.
Air Force made four of its first six 3-point attempts of the second half and finished with 13 of 27 shots from behind the arc.