Nov. 5, 2007
Final Stats | Quotes | Notes
Point Loma Nazarene at San DIego State Final Stats in PDF Format
SAN DIEGO - Junior forward Lorrenzo Wade paced four Aztec players in double figures as San Diego State claimed its 12th consecutive victory in exhibition games with a 63-53 victory over the NAIA's 22nd-ranked Point Loma Nazarene at Cox Arena on Monday.
The Aztecs used a stifling defensive effort, limiting the Sea Lions to just 44.9 percent shooting and forcing 28 turnovers. Point Loma Nazarene entered the game averaging 87.3 points in two regular-season victories and a 14-point exhibition loss to San Diego.
"This game was really good for us," SDSU head coach Steve Fisher said. "It exposed a lot of blemishes that we can go back and correct.
"We played great defense in the first half. They were 7-for-21 from the field and the shots they took were very difficult."
Three San Diego State newcomers, freshman forward Tim Shelton, junior forward Ryan Amoroso and freshman guard D.J. Gay, made their presence felt for the Aztecs. The trio, all of whom started, combined for 30 points, nine rebounds and nine assists.
SDSU played without three players expected to be major contributors in 2007-08. Junior guard Richie Williams, junior guard Kelvin Davis and freshman forward Billy White did not play against the Sea Lions.
Gay made his Aztec debut a memorable one by scoring 11 points, adding a game-high eight assists, four steals and zero turnovers in 33 minutes.
"His play tonight did not surprise me," Fisher said. "I've seen him in practice and he has gone toe to toe with Richie Williams. He guards really well and he is a tough-minded guy. To have eight assists and no turnovers is a great stat line for anyone, so I was really impressed with his performance."
Wade, an all-Mountain West Conference selection by several preseason publications, had a double-double with team highs of 16 points and 13 rebounds.
The game was reminiscent of the contest between the two schools last season, when the Aztecs needed a 30-point effort from Brandon Heath to hold off the Sea Lions, 88-80.
Although never out of reach, San Diego State led the final 31:23 of the game and enjoyed a double-digit advantage a majority of the second half.
The Aztecs open the regular season with three games in three days at the World Vision Classic in Fresno, Calif. The Aztecs officially open the 2007-08 campaign on Friday against Liberty at 5:30 p.m. PT. The contest can be heard on KLSD AM-1360.