SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Devin Watson and Jalen McDaniels combined to score 49 points and San Diego State picked up its third straight victory, knocking off San Jose State 67-56 on Saturday night.
San Diego State swept the season series with the Spartans last year and now have won 10 of the last 11 meetings between the programs.
The Aztecs took control early, with Matt Mitchell and McDaniels hitting back-to-back 3s to start the game and rolling to a quick 16-3 lead over the first five minutes. San Jose State rallied and Michael Steadman scored at the basket with just over two minutes left in the first half to get within a field goal, but Watson scored on a layup to send San Diego State into intermission with a 25-21 advantage.
McDaniels hit two jumpers and a 3 to push the Aztecs lead to 32-23 to start the second half.
Watson hit 5 of 11 from long range and finished with 27 points to lead the Aztecs (13-8, 5-3 Mountain West). McDaniels had 22 points and grabbed nine rebounds.
Craig LeCesne had 14 points and Steadman pulled down 11 rebounds for San Jose State (3-18, 0-9).
STAT LINE
Watson scored a season-high and game-high 27 points and it was his eight game this season with 20 or more points and the 31st time in his career. He led the Aztecs in scoring for the eighth time this season and the 17th time in his career and led the Aztecs in assists for the 16th time this season and the 28th time in his career. Watson scored in double figures for the fifth straight game, 18th time this season and 83rd time in his career. He now has 1,608 career points.
MOVING UP
The Aztecs were in eighth place in the Mountain West Conference entering play on Jan. 26 (one week ago today). The Aztecs are now alone in fourth place in the league.
UP NEXT
San Diego State has a quick turnaround and will face New Mexico in Albuquerque on Tuesday.
San Jose State has a bye before hitting the road next Saturday to face Boise State.
Watson, McDaniels Lead Aztecs To Road Win
