The San Diego State Aztecs’ postseason fate now rests with the NCAA Selection Committee. After a 73-62 loss to top-seeded Utah State in the Mountain West Tournament championship game on Saturday at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, the No. 2 Aztecs await Selection Sunday to learn if their resume is strong enough for an at-large bid.
Game Recap
Utah State took a four-point lead with approximately five minutes remaining. A three-pointer from MJ Collins and two free throws awarded after a foul on Reese Dixon-Waters extended the Aggies’ lead to nine points. Coach Brian Dutcher noted that a “five-point play in a four-point game” proved to be a critical momentum shift.
Coach Dutcher’s Perspective
Coach Dutcher expressed disappointment with the outcome, stating, “A hard-fought game, and it’s basketball. We’re disappointed. We wanted to win in the worst way.” He also argued that “The Mountain West was undervalued this year,” citing that “Seven teams with 20-plus wins” demonstrated parity that ultimately hindered the conference’s representation. Dutcher believes the Aztecs had a strong season, finishing “alone in second place” and achieving a record of “9-9 or 9-10 in Quad 1 and 2 games.”
Player Reactions
Guard Miles Byrd deferred the decision to the selection committee, saying, “Abandon that up to the committee. Hopefully.” When asked if an NCAA berth was essential for the Aztecs, Byrd stated, “Yeah, I mean, as players I don’t think we’ve really got much say in that.” Dixon-Waters added, “I’m with whatever. I love playing. Hopefully we get our name called tomorrow. And then, like he said, we’ll meet as a team.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the Mountain West Tournament final?
San Diego State lost to Utah State 73-62 in the championship game on Saturday at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.
What is Coach Dutcher’s assessment of the Mountain West Conference?
Coach Dutcher believes the Mountain West was “undervalued this year” due to the parity among its teams, stating that parity is beneficial in the “Power Four” conferences but detrimental in the Mountain West.
What is the next step for the Aztecs?
The Aztecs will await the NCAA Selection Committee’s decision on Selection Sunday. If they do not receive an at-large bid, the team will meet to discuss their next steps.
With their tournament hopes hanging in the balance, what factors do you believe the NCAA Selection Committee will prioritize when evaluating the San Diego State Aztecs’ resume?
