via Imago
Dec 2, 2020; San Diego, CA, USA; Saint Katherine Firebirds guard Darius Jackson (5) attempts a shot as San Diego State Aztecs forward Keshad Johnson (0) defends during the second half at Viejas Arena. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
via Imago
Dec 2, 2020; San Diego, CA, USA; Saint Katherine Firebirds guard Darius Jackson (5) attempts a shot as San Diego State Aztecs forward Keshad Johnson (0) defends during the second half at Viejas Arena. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
NCAA Men’s Basketball will continue rolling in these trying times with a massive clash between two Top-25 teams. The Arizona State Sun Devils will be facing off against the San Diego Aztecs.
The Sun Devils are 3-1 on the season, with their only loss coming at the hand of the Villanova Wildcats. San Diego State on the other hand remain undefeated through their first 4 games.
The Aztecs overcome a 16-point deficit for just the fourth time in the last 25 seasons.
4-0.#GoAztecs pic.twitter.com/oeP4G3EEyS
— San Diego State Men's Basketball (@Aztec_MBB) December 6, 2020
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
San Diego State’s omission from the Top-25 at the start of the season was highly controversial, but they have earned their spot on the list already. Their performances have been good, but some would argue that the Sun Devils have shown more heart.
Despite losing to Villanova, the Sun Devils may have the better team. However, the San Diego State players function beautifully within their system and are doing well so far. The only question that remains is who will win this clash of ranked opponents?
NCAA Men’s Basketball: Can the Sun Devils be the first to beat the Aztecs this year?
Surviving through the season without a single blemish on their record shows that the San Diego State mean serious business.
They started their season with a dominant win over the UCLA Bruins (a team ranked ahead of them at the time) and have won their 3 matches since by 5 points or more.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 3, 2020; Berkeley, California, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils guard Josh Christopher (13) celebrates his teamÕs 70-62 victory over the California Golden Bears following an NCAA basketball game at Haas Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports
The Sun Devils are ranked 24th in the country, just one spot behind San Diego. What goes without saying is that the loser of this game will have a hard time retaining their spot in the Top-25.
Nonetheless, this match will be a hard-fought encounter to maintain relevance in this topsy-turvy NCAA season.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The Sun Devils will take the court with Remy Martin, Alonzo Verge Jr., Josh Christopher, Marcus Bagley, and Jalen Graham. At the same time, the Aztecs will show up with Jordan Schakel, Matt Mitchell, Trey Pulliam, Aguek Arop, and Nathan Mensah.
For our prediction, we pick the Sun Devils to give the Aztecs their first loss of the season. The dynamic play of their starting line-up may just be the key to victory for them.
