The San Diego State Aztecs went through many tough opponents throughout the course of their historic season, but none tougher than the five on this list. Without further ado, here are the top five opponents that the San Diego State Aztecs faced in the 2019-20 season.
1. Creighton Blue Jays
The Aztecs absolutely dominated the Creighton Blue Jays when they faced in November, but Creighton was missing a few key players and finished the season exceptionally strong. The Blue Jays were predicted to finish eighth in the Big East, but ended up winning a share of the division title, even with the strength of the Big East this season.
The Aztecs beat them by 31, however, the way they finished their season, and the momentum they had entering March is the reason why the Blue Jays are the top team on this list. They finished with over 10 Quad 1 wins, a 17-1 home record, a share of the conference title with a 13-5 conference record, and no. 7 in the country with a 24-7 record.
2. BYU Cougars
The BYU Cougars weren’t expected to have an especially strong season, but finished the season on a high note, beating the division rival, the Gonzaga Bulldogs, who were 28-1 at the time. The Cougars hosted the Aztecs in the second game of the season and narrowly lost 77-72.
At the time, neither team was ranked but the Cougars pulled off multiple big wins within conference play that gave them this spot on the list. The Cougars finished the season 24-8, 13-3 in conference play, and no. 18 in the AP Poll.
3. Utah State Aggies
The Utah State Aggies were defending Mountain West Tournament Champions and started the year expected to win the Mountain West. However, the Aztecs won the Mountain West regular-season title and beat the Aggies both times when they met in the regular season. However, for the second straight year, the Aggies bested the Aztecs in the Mountain West Conference Tournament Championship game.
The Aggies, despite not having a very strong schedule, finished about at the same pace as the year prior and have made a name for themselves in the Mountain West under coach Craig Smith. They finished the season with a 26-8 record, 12-6 in conference and 15-1 at home.
4. Iowa Hawkeyes
The Iowa Hawkeyes narrowly lost to the Aztecs in the Las Vegas Invitational in November and just barely sit outside of the top three on this list for a few reasons. The Hawkeyes were one of the most talented teams that the Aztecs faced this year on paper. They are one of the most efficient shooting teams in the country and they have Player of the Year frontrunner Luka Garza leading their team on both sides of the ball.
The problem with the Hawkeyes is they didn’t play consistent enough towards the end of the year. Although they may have a better team on paper, the Hawkeyes were too hot and cold this season to be any higher on this list. They finished no. 25 in the AP Poll and fifth in the Big Ten with a 20-11 record, 11-9 in conference.
5. Nevada Wolfpack
The Aztecs faced the Wolfpack twice this season and came out victorious each time, but besides Utah State, Nevada was really the only team in the Mountain West that gave the Aztecs a full challenge for the entire game. In the first game, Nevada led for a large part of the first half and led at halftime, and in the second game, they led by nine at halftime and even stretched that lead further to 14 in the early stages of the second half.
After losing many talented recruits and players in the departing of coach Eric Musselman, Nevada was not expected to have a very good first season under new coach Steve Alford. However, the season for Nevada turned out much better than expected and they finished with a respectable 19-12 record and 12-6 in conference play.
The one big problem with Nevada’s resume is that they didn’t play many good teams during the non-conference schedule, and when they did they lost. If they would’ve had more success against the stronger teams on their schedule, the Wolfpack would be higher on this list.