This Wednesday, the Men’s Basketball Mountain West Conference Tournament kicks off. The San Diego State Aztecs, who finished 28-1 overall and 17-1 in conference play, have been in the championship game the last two years, winning it in 2018 and losing it last year to the Utah State Aggies. They are certainly favorites again this year to not only be in the championship for the third straight year but win the whole tournament and take a 1-seed in the NCAA Tournament.
The Mountain West Tournament is a week before most other conferences tournaments, so after this week is done, the Aztecs will just get to sit and watch, relying on other teams to get them an ideal spot in the tournament.
San Diego State is the 1-seed in the conference tournament and will play their first tournament game against the winner of the Fresno State vs. Air Force game Wednesday.
Although the Aztecs are 3-0 against those two teams, a possible rematch with the only team that handed the Aztecs a loss this season in the semifinals seems very realistic and the Aztecs would most certainly not take anything for granted in a rematch with the Runnin’ Rebels.
All predictions aside, here are five keys to San Diego State winning the Mountain West Conference Tournament.
1. Don’t let the excitement or nerves affect defensive performance.
Many of the Aztecs' worst performances this year have been due to a lack of motivation on the defensive side and this could most certainly cost the Aztecs another game if they don't stay alert and aggressive.
2. Take the ball to the rim when three’s aren’t falling.
The Aztecs are a three-point shooting team and it’s no secret. But the loss of Nathan Mensah was tough on the team that began so well because of the three. Many times this year the Aztecs have fallen into a hole when shots aren’t falling and they just need to remember to get the ball to the basket with their guards KJ Feagin and Malachi Flynn.
3. Don’t hesitate to switch up the game plan.
During many postseason games, especially when playing a conference opponent that you have faced multiple times, it is very hard to run a consistent tempo or game plan that the opposing team hasn’t prepared for. During these games, sometimes strategies and tempo need to be switched to be successful, and the Aztecs need to be ready to do so.
4. Spread the ball around.
It’s very easy to give the ball to one player when they’re hot but in order to keep the defense on their toes with a very deep team like San Diego State, giving looks to multiple guys opens the offense up more.
5. Rely on your game closer.
Late in games, it’s as simple as getting the ball to veteran Malachi Flynn and letting him take charge to close out games. Flynn has done this time and time again for the Aztecs this season and needs to continue to get looks during the late stages of games.
The Aztecs’ first game in the conference tournament will be Thursday, Mar. 5 at 11:30 a.m. PT at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.