San Diego State’s dominant 71-57 victory over Nevada on , at Viejas Arena wasn’t just another Mountain West Conference win. It signaled a potential turning point for the Aztecs, fueled by the impactful return of forward Magoon Gwath after a six-game absence due to a hip injury.
The win ties San Diego State for first place in the conference, but the narrative extends beyond the standings. Nevada coach Steve Alford immediately recognized the shift in momentum Gwath’s presence created, telling his staff that with Gwath playing at his current level, “they’re at a whole ‘nother level.” That assessment speaks volumes about the sophomore’s potential and the immediate impact he had on both ends of the court.
In just 13 and a half minutes of play, Gwath scored 13 points, shooting a perfect 3-for-3 from beyond the arc, while also contributing five blocks and three rebounds. These statistics are impressive in isolation, but they don’t fully capture the renewed energy and defensive presence he brought to the floor. Alford elaborated postgame, noting Gwath’s versatility: “He rebounds, he blocks shots, he might be shooting 55% from 3. That’s phenomenal for a 4-man or a 5-man, whatever you want to call him.”
A key factor in Gwath’s resurgence is the removal of the bulky brace he had been wearing to protect his surgically-repaired right knee. He now sports a neoprene sleeve, allowing for greater mobility and comfort. “It felt great,” Gwath said. “Lost two pounds on my leg with that brace. It was much easier to move. It was just easier to play out there. I’m moving a lot better… I perceive like I got my timing back with getting that brace off.” The physical freedom clearly translated to improved performance and a visible boost in confidence.
The road back hasn’t been easy. Gwath injured his knee around this time last year, missing the remainder of the regular season and the Mountain West tournament. Postseason surgery was followed by six months of rehabilitation. SDSU coach Brian Dutcher emphasized the emotional toll the injury took on Gwath, stating, “It’s as easy as putting a smile on your face. You know, it’s so hard for him that he wasn’t having any joy playing basketball because he’s playing hurt.” Dutcher highlighted the importance of seeing Gwath rediscover that joy, both for the player himself and for the team as a whole.
Gwath’s ability to stretch the floor as a big man adds another dimension to the Aztecs’ offense. “He starts stretching the floor as a 5-man and he creates problems for the other team,” Dutcher explained. “You can play him at the power forward and we can play him at center, and he’s a hard matchup at either position.” While Dutcher is carefully managing Gwath’s minutes as he returns to game shape, the potential for increased playing time as he regains full fitness is significant.
Beyond Gwath’s individual impact, the Aztecs’ success is rooted in remarkable continuity. San Diego State has had only two head coaches – Steve Fisher and Brian Dutcher – since 2000. This stability is almost unheard of in the Mountain West Conference, where most programs have seen a revolving door of leadership. Since the Mountain West’s inception in the 1999-2000 season, SDSU boasts the best overall record (602-283, .680) and conference record (286-154, .650).
Dutcher attributes this sustained success to a deeply ingrained culture. “Culture is 26 years,” he said. “That’s what culture is. We have a good culture here, and we have great support from our university, we have great fan support and all that goes into having a really good program.” The consistent leadership and unwavering support have created a winning environment that has become a hallmark of Aztec basketball.
The atmosphere at Viejas Arena on Saturday night also included a unique promotional tie-in with NASCAR. A San Diego State-branded car featuring the No. 45 of Daytona 500 winner Tyler Reddick was on display as part of a promotion for an upcoming race in Coronado. The connection extended to a pre-game “I Believe” chant led remotely by Reddick and fellow drivers Bubba Wallace and Riley Herbst. The coincidence of Reddick’s Daytona 500 victory the following day didn’t go unnoticed, adding a touch of serendipity to the evening.
Even SDSU guard BJ Davis, a self-proclaimed NASCAR enthusiast, acknowledged the connection. He playfully admitted to causing crashes in the NASCAR video game he enjoys, emphasizing that such tactics are reserved for the virtual world. Davis’s enthusiasm for the sport and his appreciation for the promotional event underscored the broader appeal of Aztec basketball and its ability to connect with diverse fan bases.
The return of Magoon Gwath, coupled with the program’s unwavering continuity and a touch of racing luck, has injected new life into the San Diego State Aztecs. As they navigate a challenging season, the team appears poised to build on this momentum and contend for the Mountain West Conference title.
