Markdown February 1st, 2020 as a monumental date in San Diego State University history. On a day where the Aztecs extended their winning streak to 23 games (also a school record) against a conference foe who were selected to win the Mountain West outright in the preseason.
Aztecs 80, Utah State Aggies 68. In front of a sold-out, raucous crowd of 12,414.
The Show turned out in full force.
Kawhi Leonard, who is a gem of this city, SDSU head coach Brian Dutcher exclaimed in press conference saw his number 15 jersey lifted into the Viejas Arena rafters. Immortality.
Viejas personnel needed to have the fire department on speed dial after a torrid performance by another Inland Empire local, Matt Mitchell.
Mitchell’s stat line: 28 points, 4 rebounds, 4-4 from the charity stripe and 4-for-6 from downtown.
“It was a great influence (on his decision to commit to SDSU) on me watching Kawhi play (at SDSU).
In wake of the tragic Kobe Bryant death news along with his daughter, and seven other passengers last Sunday, there was a moment of silence dedicated to the stricken families.
After that somber moment, the strident student section, famously known as “The Show” was absolutely ruthless from screaming “Sucks” after the SDSU master of ceremonies introduced the Utah State starters. To the emphatic chants of M-V-P after Matt Mitchell or Malachai Flynn sunk a three-pointer. To U-N-D-E-F-E-A-T-E-D.
The Aztecs are on a much-needed bye week after starting the season (23-0) (12-0 MW) and will travel to Colorado Springs, Colorado next Saturday to face the Air Force Falcons (9-13) (3-7 MW) at Clune Arena.
It was an incredible night to be a San Diego State Aztec.