In the first conference game of the year for the San Diego State Aztecs (9-3, 1-0), they won an important road game against the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels (8-6, 0-1), 62-55, on New Year’s Day.

The Aztecs entered the game with multiple question marks regarding their lineup with Lamont Butler and Trey Puliam each being unexpectedly scratched from the lineup this week. Pulliam contracted an illness earlier in the week and was held out of Saturday’s game, while Butler was expected to make his return from a broken hand, but was held out for the fifth consecutive game.

Senior guards Matt Bradley and Adam Seiko were given a much more extensive role in the offensive game plan. Bradley put up 18 shot attempts and scored 17 points with seven rebounds. Seiko had 38 minutes, four points, seven rebounds, and three assists.

Sophomore guard Chad Baker-Mazara had a breakout game off the bench for San Diego State. He went 5-for-6 from the floor, scoring 11 points with five rebounds. Aztec guards accounted for 33 of the team’s 62 points.

Nathan Mensah provided 10 points, seven rebounds, five blocks and dominated the paint, while Keshad Johnson earned the first double-double of his junior season with 10 points and 11 rebounds. Senior forward Aguek Arop nearly completed the first double-double of his career after he put up nine points and eight rebounds.

The Runnin’ Rebels fought hard for 32 points in the first half, but were held to a season-low 23 points in the second half by the Aztec defense. Arop accounted for four of seven Aztecs steals and Mensah’s four blocks tied a personal season-high to limit the UNLV damage.

The Aztecs now look towards the Fresno State Bulldogs (10-4, 0-1) as they return home for the home conference opener on Wednesday, Jan. 5 at 7:30 p.m. PT.