SAN DIEGO – Riding a three-game winning streak in which the Aztecs have out scored its opponents by 99 points, the San Diego State men's basketball team looks to close out and sweep its two-game set against the Wyoming Cowboys on Saturday night in Viejas Arena.
SCENE SETTER
San Diego State is just the tenth Division I team in the last 25 seasons to win three consecutive conference games by at least 30 points. Only once in that time has a team won four straight league games by 30+ points (Belmont in 2010-11, that team finished 30-5 and advanced to the second round of the NCAA tournament).
San Diego State and Wyoming are meeting for the 87th time in school history, with the Aztecs owning a 45-41 edge. San Diego State has won the last five games played between the teams (the Cowboys last win in the series came on Dec. 27, 2017 in Laramie, Wyo.), and the Aztecs have won eight of the last nine encounters (8-1).
In San Diego, the Aztecs enjoy a 29-11 series advantage, including 16-5 at Viejas Arena. San Diego State has won its last 13 home games against Wyoming, dating back to a, 66-65, loss on Jan. 3, 2007. During the 13-game home win streak, SDSU's average margin of victory is 21.5 points. In those 13 games, SDSU has a 503-356 advantage on the glass (+147; +11.3 rpg margin).
San Diego State has won its last three games by a combined score of, 276-177 (+99 points).
This is the first time in the 100 seasons of San Diego State Basketball that it has won three straight conference games by 30 or more points. The last time the Aztecs won three straight game (regardless of conference or non-conference) was in Brian Dutcher's first season (2017-18) when SDSU defeated McNeese (83-52, +31), Eastern Illinois (94-63, +31) and Sacramento State (89-52, +37) in consecutive games.
San Diego State's 276 points over the last three games (92.0 ppg) is its most in a three-game stretch since at least the 1990-91 season. That year, the Aztecs posted consecutive games with 79 (overtime loss against Hawai'i), 95 (at Wyoming) and 123 points (U.S. International) for a three-game total of 297 points (99.0 ppg).
Since Jan. 22, San Diego State's +33.0 scoring margin is second nationally, trailing Gonzaga (2-0, +37.0) and ahead of third place Baylor (2-0, +31.5).
In its last three games, San Diego State has averaged 92.0 points, while connecting on 53.9 percent from the field (103-of-191) and 50.0 percent from three-point range (40-of-80).
The Aztecs metrics continue their upward trend following the three dominating victories. San Diego State ranks in the metrics after Thursday's games: 16th in RPI, 19th in Sagarin Ratings, 22nd in BPI, 24th in Kenpom, 28th in the NET and 50th in Strength of Record. The NET ranking of No. 28 represents San Diego State's highest ranking this season.
On Thursday, San Diego State posted its third straight 30-point win, defeating Wyoming, 87-57. The Aztecs used first half runs of 12-0 and 10-0 and built a Mountain West Conference tying 63 first half points in a conference game. SDSU's advantage swelled to 41 points before settling for the 30-point win.
In addition to matching the conference record, San Diego State's 63 first half points are the most by any Division I team in a conference game this season.
Against Wyoming, San Diego State shot 55.4 percent from the field and 52.4 percent from three-point range. It is the third time this season the Aztecs have owned percentages of greater than .500 in both categories. In the last 25 seasons, the Aztecs are 40-2 when doing that (20-0 at home).