SAN DIEGO – The Aztecs picked up another win on Steve Fisher Court against the visiting Poets of Whittier College. With their 121-59 victory San Diego State has wrapped up their final nonconference matchup of the year.
The Aztec’s first half was defined by a balanced scoring attack and dominance in the paint. Once again, the second unit was dynamic, contributing 40 points across the first frame of play. Eight different players scored at least four points while six players grabbed at least three rebounds. The duo of Pharaoh Compton and Jeremiah Oden were particularly effective. Oden’s 12 first half points came on a variety of mid-range jump shots and a pair of threes. Compton was unstoppable in the paint to the tune of 15 points and six rebounds, five of which were of the offensive variety. As has become the norm for the sophomore forward, he threw down an array of dunks that ignited the Viejas Arena crowd.
The second half was kick-started by a 19-4 run in favor of the Aztecs that was punctuated by a Reese Dixon-Waters three point make. As a team San Diego State’s defense shined during the final 20 minutes of play. They held the Poets to 31% shooting from the field while forcing eight turnovers and grabbed 10 offensive rebounds. The Aztec’s impressive freshmen duo of Tae Simmons and Elzie Harrington continued their high level of play as they combined for 18 second half points on a near perfect 7-8 shooting display. Alongside the freshmen, Magoon Gwath found a rhythm on offense. The seven-foot center pumped in nine points and a pair of rebounds pushing his final stat line to 15 points and five rebounds.
For the game Pharaoh Compton led all players with career-highs in both points (21) and rebounds (8). Gwath and Simmons both reached 15 points in scoring and Oden, Dixon-Waters and Miles Heide all scored in double figures as well. As a team the Aztecs dominated on the glass pulling down 60 rebounds and converted their 24 offensive rebounds into 32 second chance points. The offense was firing on all cylinders with coach Brian Dutcher’s team finishing the afternoon with the third largest margin of victory in program history while knocking down the most field goals ever inside of Viejas Arena.
UP NEXT
The Aztecs wrapped up the nonconference portion of the schedule with a resounding win on their home court. They now turn their full attention to Mountain West opponents having already earned their first conference victory over the Air Force Falcons 81-58 earlier in the month. The team will enjoy a bit of break over the holidays before heading north to take on the San Jose State Spartans on December 30. Tip-off will be set for 7:00 p.m. PT on CBS Sports Network.