A Thrilling Comeback for the Aztecs

In a game that had fans on the edge of their seats, Miles Byrd and the San Diego State Aztecs managed to secure a hard-fought victory over New Mexico. The Aztecs now sit alone at the top of the Mountain West basketball standings, showcasing their resilience and determination.

The game started with SDSU in control, leading by 15 points in the second half. However, the Lobos made a strong push, cutting the lead and eventually taking a two-point advantage with just 1:11 remaining. Despite this, the Aztecs staged a remarkable comeback to win 83-79 at Viejas Arena on Saturday night.

SDSU improved to 13-4 overall and 7-0 in conference play, taking a half-game lead over No. 23 Utah State, which was defeated by Grand Canyon earlier that day. This victory highlights the team’s ability to overcome challenges and maintain their position at the top of the standings.

Key Performances

Miles Byrd was the standout player for the Aztecs, contributing a game-high 21 points along with eight rebounds, four blocks, and three steals. His performance was crucial in the final moments of the game, as he made a key block and steal that helped the Aztecs regain control.

Other notable contributors included Pharoh Compton with 12 points, Taj DeGourville with 11 points, and Reese Dixon-Waters, who recorded 10 points and nine rebounds. Their efforts were essential in securing the win against a determined Lobos team.

Despite the loss, New Mexico continued to impress in their first season under new coach Eric Olen. The team has shown promise despite an entirely new roster, indicating a bright future for the program.

Clutch Moments That Defined the Game

At one point, SDSU led 51-36 just one minute into the second half. However, the Lobos mounted a strong comeback, using a 10-0 run fueled by consecutive turnovers from the Aztecs. This forced coach Brian Dutcher to call a timeout, signaling a shift in momentum.

From that point on, the game was in doubt. The Lobos continued to chip away at the lead, tying the game with a 3-pointer from Luke Haupt, the son of former Aztec player Mike Haupt. Buljan, the big man for the Lobos, tied the game twice after the Aztecs had pulled ahead, eventually giving his team the lead at 79-77 with a steal and slam with just over a minute left.

However, the Aztecs refused to back down. Miles Heide made two free throws, BJ Davis hit a jumper set up by Byrd’s steal, and Dixon-Waters closed out the game with two free throws to secure the win.

Tomislav Buljan finished with 20 points and 14 rebounds, highlighting his impact on the game.

Looking Ahead

The Aztecs will soon face another challenging opponent when they travel to Grand Canyon. The Lopes’ home arena, the Global Credit Union Arena, is known for its loud and energetic student section, the Havocs. This environment can be intimidating for visiting teams.

SDSU previously experienced the full force of the Havocs during a December 2023 game, where they suffered a 79-73 upset loss. That game marked the first-ever win for the Lopes against a Top 25 opponent and led to fans storming the court. This loss came just a year after the Aztecs reached the national championship game before losing to UConn.

As the Aztecs prepare for their next challenge, they will need to rely on their resilience and determination once again. With a strong team and a capable leader in Miles Byrd, the Aztecs are well-positioned to continue their success in the Mountain West Conference.