The San Diego State Aztecs picked up a solid road win against the Air Force Academy, 89-74, at Clune Arena. This win improved the Aztecs to 12-0 in road/neutral games, which is a program record.
The Aztecs continue to show the extreme depth of their roster and how they can play 10-12 guys each night and still be playing to their highest ability. The 15-point victory over the Falcons was another example with four of the Aztecs five starters scoring 16 or more points.
Jordan Schakel scored 18 points in his second-best performance of the season. Schakel averages just 10 points per game but had an outstanding performance, grabbing four rebounds to go with his 18 points.
KJ Feagin has flown under the radar this year, averaging nearly 13 points in his last eight games including a solid 21 points tonight and five buckets from the three-point arc.
Matt Mitchell also had a great game, scoring 16 points with four rebounds in the first game since scoring a career-high 28 against Utah State Feb. 1.
Aztecs superstar Malachi Flynn, who is getting nationwide recognition for multiple awards continued to dazzle with 17 points, eight rebounds and seven assists.
The Air Force Falcons kept the game close all the way until there was about four minutes to play. Their valiant effort was led by junior guard Chris Boyce who scored 23 points with five assists. Boyce shot 5-for-8 from the three-point arc.
Aztecs sophomore forward Aguek Arop, who has been battling a shoulder injury all season, returned against the Air Force although he only played five minutes.
The Aztecs had not been too affected by injuries so far this season, but the injuries to Nathan Mensah and Arop were very unfortunate for this Aztecs squad who have relied on Yanni Wetzell and Nolan Narain to provide big minutes in their place.
A huge part of the win for the Aztecs was their depth and Yanni Wetzell’s ability to shut down Neemias Queta of the Aggies. Queta scored 15 points with 14 rebounds in the first matchup between the two teams, but was held to just eight points in Saturday night’s game by Yanni Wetzell.
Arop made his long-awaited return, and Mensah could fortunately be back as soon as the Mountain West tournament in March.
The Aztecs next game will be Tuesday night against the New Mexico Lobos at Viejas Arena. The game will tip-off at 8 p.m. and broadcasted on ESPN2.