San Diego State Aztecs 77 - Colorado Buffaloes 66 (11/7/2023): Aztecs' Defense Shuts Down Buffaloes

The Colorado Buffaloes took on the San Diego State Aztecs, with the Aztecs coming out on top, 77-66. This game added to the Aztecs' perfect start, making their record 2-0 for the season. The Buffaloes, on the other hand, dropped to a 1-1 record.

Both teams came into this contest with different strengths. Colorado focused on their sharp shooting from beyond the arc, while San Diego State relied on their ability to get to the free-throw line. The Aztecs had a strong home record, winning both of their games at home.

Aztecs Shine at Home

San Diego State held an advantage playing at home, where they had already shown success. Their ability to score, as seen by their average of 89.5 points per game, was a significant factor. They demonstrated this by adding 77 points against the Buffaloes.

Throughout the game, San Diego State's offense capitalized on their possessions. Their average of 74.7 possessions per game helped them control the pace. They also made 25.5 free throws per game, which was evident in their performance against Colorado.

Rebounding was another area where the Aztecs thrived. With 44 rebounds per game, they outperformed the Buffaloes' 33. This edge on the boards gave them extra chances to score.

Buffaloes’ Shooting Struggles

Colorado faced difficulties despite their impressive three-point shooting percentage of 43.2. They managed to score only 66 points, below their average of 80. Their shooting opportunities were limited by their lower possession count of 70.2 per game.

One area where the Buffaloes struggled was at the free-throw line. Their season average was only 64.4%, and this inefficiency cost them crucial points. San Diego State's defense played a role in keeping Colorado from finding a rhythm at the charity stripe.

Defensively, Colorado's ability to steal the ball wasn't enough. Despite averaging 9.5 steals per game, they couldn't disrupt the Aztecs' offense effectively. The Aztecs’ ball-handling minimized turnovers, neutralizing the Buffaloes' defensive pressure.

Looking Ahead

Colorado will need to regroup and focus on their upcoming games. They will look to improve their away record, having lost their only road game so far. Their next challenge will be maintaining their strong shooting while addressing their free-throw woes.

San Diego State, with their strong start, will aim to continue their winning ways. Their ability to score and rebound remains a key strength. They will look to maintain this form as they face tougher competition in the coming weeks.

Both teams will take the lessons from this game into their next matchups. Fans can expect improvements as the season progresses. The Buffaloes and Aztecs will aim to build on their strengths and address their weaknesses.