Jan. 13, 2015
SAN DIEGO - Following an open date, San Diego State returns to Mountain West competition in earnest on Wednesday when it plays host to Wyoming, starting at 6 p.m. PT. A live video stream via the Mountain West Network will be available on GoAztecs.com with SDSU alumnus Chris Ello providing the play-by-play courtside from Viejas Arena.
The Aztecs-Cowgirls matchup will feature a special Bingo Night promotion. Fans in attendance can pick up a free bingo card upon entry and play throughout the evening for a chance to win two free tickets to the SDSU-Fresno State men's basketball game on Jan. 27.
After capturing their conference opener at Air Force on New Year's Eve, the Aztecs (4-10, 1-2 MW) have dropped two straight, including a 62-53 setback on the road to New Mexico in their last outing on Jan. 7. Against the Lobos, junior Erimma Amarikwa and freshman McKynzie Fort finished with 14 points apiece to lead SDSU, but it wasn't enough as the Aztecs were unable to build on a 13-point lead in the first half. Meanwhile, Wyoming (7-7, 2-2 MW) is coming off a 64-59 triumph at Boise State, closing with a 12-4 spurt over the final 3:38 to escape with the win.
SDSU has faced the Cowgirls in 48 previous encounters, marking the third-most frequently played opponent in program history behind New Mexico (54) and UNLV (49). Wyoming owns a slim 25-23 advantage in the all-time series, snapping a five-game losing streak to the Aztecs with a 69-60 triumph at Viejas Arena last year. Despite the defeat, SDSU still maintains a 13-9 edge between the two squads in San Diego.
Defense has characterized the Aztecs-Cowgirls rivalry since 2000, with the winning team scoring over 70 points just six times in the past 31 meetings. During that span, SDSU's highest scoring output vs. Wyoming was recorded in a 73-55 triumph during the second round of the MW tournament in 2012.
The Aztecs are 3-7 following a loss on the year. SDSU last rebounded from a defeat with the aforementioned win at Air Force on Dec. 31, which came on the heels of a 64-54 setback at UC Riverside.
Entering the week, the Aztecs find themselves among the top half of the Mountain West in several categories, including three-point field-goal percentage defense (2nd - (.283)), rebounding defense (2nd - (35.7/gm)) rebounding margin (5th - (+2.6)) and free-throw percentage (5th - (.670)).
Following Wednesday's clash, San Diego State will head to the Silver State on Saturday to lock horns with UNLV, beginning at 2 p.m. PT. The Aztecs and Lady Rebels split their two encounters last year, with each side winning on its home court.