For the second time in 2017, San Diego State has been beaten by Colorado State via last-second shot. For the second time in 2017, the Aztecs lost a 13-point lead to Colorado State. As much as you didn’t want to tell yourself it was going to happen, it seemed like an inevitability the moment Trey Kell fouled out with 5 minutes remaining, the Aztecs clinging to a 1-point lead.
San Diego State held a 33-21 lead at halftime, thanks in large part to a struggling Colorado State offense (who didn’t score a field goal the first five minutes of the game) and the Aztecs’ shooting 5-8 from behind the arc. That all disappeared in the second half thanks to a resurgent Colorado State, the Aztecs going cold from 3 (2-14), and San Diego State’s patented “going several minutes without scoring a point”portion of the game.
Dakarai Allen drew a late foul on a layup, giving us what appeared to be a bit of hope. The shot went in, he hit the ensuing free throw, and the Aztecs held a 55-53 lead with 23 seconds left in the game. Colorado State drove back the other way, but the defense denied senior guard Gian Clavell’s attempt to drive toward the basket. Clavell passed back to Emmanuel Omogbo, who passed to a driving Prentiss Nixon, who was summarily rejected by Malik Pope.
Larry Eustachy yelled. Larry Eustachy pointed. Colorado State inbounded, faked a shot in the paint, and kicked the ball out to Omogbo for game-winner. If you didn’t know it was coming, it would have broken your heart. But you did. And it didn’t.
Colorado State, tied for 1st in the Mountain West with Nevada-Reno, stormed the court after beating the 6th place team in the Mountain West. Whatever. Colorado’s not even a st-oh, it is?
Colorado State 56, San Diego State 55.
Recap:
Next game
The Aztecs host 11-18 Air Force this Wednesday at 7 p.m. Don’t make Fish give out tickets.
KABEER THIRTY 