The San Jose State Spartans and the San Diego State Aztecs meet Friday in Mountain West Tournament college basketball action from Thomas & Mack Center. San Jose State is 20-12 on the year. The Spartans beat Nevada in their tournament game on Thursday. As for San Diego State, they’re currently 25-6 overall and coming off a close tournament win over Colorado State on Thursday. Check back all season long for free college basketball picks at Sports Chat Place.
San Jose State Spartans
San Jose State was sitting at 14-10 at the 24-game mark in early February. The Spartans went 5-2 to finish their schedule. The wins in that time were over Utah State, UNLV, Boise State, Colorado State and Air Force, with losses to New Mexico and Nevada.
On Thursday in tournament action versus Nevada, the Spartans scored 31 points in the first half, 34 in the second and 16 in overtime for a wild 81-77 victory. Tops in scoring was Omari Moore with 26 points and 10 assists for a double-double.
San Diego State Aztecs
Over on the San Diego State side, they were 19-5 after 24 games this year. The Aztecs hit a 5-1 run to close out the year, beating UNLV, Fresno State, Colorado State, New Mexico and Wyoming with a lone loss to Boise State otherwise.
On Thursday in the Mountain West Tournament matchup versus Colorado State, the Aztecs held a slim 27-25 edge by halftime. San Diego State scored another 37 in the second and powered out a 64-61 victory. Lamont Butler led the way on 16 points and five boards.
ANDREW’S FREE PICK
I’ll probably lean toward San Jose State. The Spartans got a nice bit of revenge over Nevada on Thursday, shooting 49.2 percent from the field with just six turnovers. San Jose State got a solid boost of offense in overtime as well, which was promising after consecutive 63-point outings. As for San Diego State, they’ve been great in the win column lately but a little choppy on the scoreboard. Still, the Aztecs defense is working great these days; they’ve given up just 111 combined points in the last pair. These teams last met back on January 28 at Viejas Arena. That one turned into a 72-51 Aztecs win after their 33-14 advantage in the first half. If San Jose State can get off to a better start here I think they’ve got a good shot at keeping pace.