SAN DIEGO – San Diego State overcame a 14-point halftime deficit with a dominant second half to beat Colorado State, 71-55, on Tuesday night. It matches the Aztecs' largest deficit overcome in a victory this season.
The night's scoring started with a Jaedon LeDee dunk on the first possession of the game, but Colorado State responded with a 14-0 scoring run to take a double-digit lead within the first three and a half minutes. The Rams ultimately carried a 14-point lead into the break, giving SDSU their largest halftime deficit in a game this season.
In a tale of two halves, the Scarlet and Black outscored Colorado State 40-11 in the second half on their way to the 16-point victory. It is the second time this season the Aztecs have overcome a 14-point deficit in a victory, while the 11 second half points allowed is the fewest in a half this year.
With 9:47 left in regulation, a pair of Jay Pal free throws gave San Diego State their first lead since the first possession of the game. From that point on, the defense surrendered just three points to the Rams ending the game on an 18-3 scoring run.
LeDee was the second half spark after missing majority of the first 20 minutes due to early foul trouble. The senior forward put up 21 points in the second half, including 14 of the team's first 16. His 27 total points led all scorers.
Lamont Butler recorded the first double-double of his career with 11 points and a career-high 10 rebounds. He also had three of SDSU's eight steals. Darrion Trammell was the third and final Aztec in double-figures, scoring 11 points and adding a game-high five assists.
San Diego State remains at home to close out the week as they welcome New Mexico to Viejas Arena on Friday night. Tip-off will be at 7 p.m. on FS1.
Monster Second Half Gives Aztecs 71-55 Win Over CSU
