San Diego State Aztecs
Record: 26-8, 14-4 Mountain West
Head coach: Steve Fisher (16th season)
Season summary: The Aztecs wrapped up their regular season by earning a share of the Mountain West title, but lost to Wyoming in the conference title game 45-43. Fortunately, the Aztecs rank 42nd in ESPN’s BPI rankings, which was good enough to land them an at-large bid as a No. 8 seed. The Aztecs were subpar on offense this year, averaging only 61.8 points per game, which ranks 305th in the nation. But what San Diego State lacks on offense, it makes up for on defense. The fourth best team in defensive efficiency—according to basketball statistician Ken Pomeroy—is anchored by junior forward Skylar Spencer, who is averaging an impressive 2.5 blocks per game. Junior forward Winston Shepard leads the Aztecs in scoring (11.1 PPG) and rebounding (5.3 RPG).
How they make a run: The Aztecs rely on their vaunted defense and anchor, Spencer, in order to make a deep run. They also have to play their best offensive basketball of the season.
How they falter: San Diego State runs into a team that is offensively gifted and can shoot the lights out from downtown, and its paltry scoring can’t keep up.
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