Ranked in the AP Top 25 last week for the first time this season, San Diego State celebrated by winning its Mountain West Conference opener, then earning city bragging rights.More in-state challenges await.Up one spot to No. 23 in the rankings, the Aztecs (6-2) will play host to California Baptist on Wednesday before taking an extended break in advance of a Dec. 21 game against Cal in San Jose.Before earning an 84-62 Mountain West victory at Fresno State on Dec. 4 and a 74-57 home win over San Diego on Saturday, San Diego State went 2-2 in a rugged stretch against then-No. 3 Gonzaga (loss), then-No. 21 Creighton (win), Oregon (loss) and then-No. 6 Houston (win).On Saturday, Aztecs coach Brian Dutcher improved to 100-12 in home games, but it was far from simple. San Diego State had a 33-31 lead at halftime before pulling away behind 17 points and six assists from Nick Boyd, who reached double figures in scoring for the sixth time this season.San Diego State 7-footer Magoon Gwath, one game after he compiled 25 points and 10 rebounds at Fresno State, did not score and had one rebound in 13 minutes against the Toreros. The standout freshman took a hard fall in the first half and played just one minute after halftime.Afterward, Dutcher said Gwath was “worn out” and “couldn’t get in a rhythm,” but the Aztecs still had plenty in reserve to get past San Diego.”The depth of this team is really dangerous for people. You can take one guy away, but the other guy steps up,” Dutcher said. “Jared Coleman-Jones against Houston had (16), and then was quiet for a game or two. I love this team, the depth and the offensive capabilities it has.”Coleman-Jones had 13 points and six rebounds against San Diego, while Miles Byrd added 13 points. Boyd scores a team-best 12.6 points a game, while Byrd and BJ Davis each contribute 12.3.
No. 23 SDSU brings offensive balance into game vs. Cal Baptist
By
/