Printer-friendly version
By Liz Alper
Photo courtesy @Aztec_MBB on Twitter
December 25, 2016 (Honolulu) - While we were enjoying Christmas/Hanukkah with our families, the San Diego State Aztecs men's basketball team took on the Dons of the University of San Francisco in the title game of the Diamond Head Classic.
Both teams got off to a slow start, but that was mostly due to stoppages of play. The Aztecs eventually got out to a 4-2 lead, though, with 17 minutes left. It remained deadlocked at 4-2 for a while thanks to those fouls and stoppages and the fact that neither team could really get a basket to fall, but the Dons finally broke it open with a three to make it 9-6. But it was constant jockeying for position; whenever SDSU broke out on a run, the Dons would catch right back up. Eventually, SDSU ended a boring first half ahead 32-28.
The second half was much of the same; neither team could make much fall in the first five minutes. It wasn't until four minutes left when SDSU finally broke the game open with a few threes and a few impressive shots from sophomore guard Zylan Cheatham--including his second three of the season--and SDSU was out to a 57-48 lead. SDSU only scored four more points, but they were able to come away with a 62-48 win and win the Diamond Head Classic. Cheatham led the team with 16 points, 11 rebounds and two steals.
The Aztecs come home now and they'll start the new year with the beginning of conference play against the Lobos of New Mexico on New Year's Day. Tipoff is at 2:00 p.m.
Like our sports coverage? Donate to help support ECM’s Sports section!
Recent comments