San Diego State Upsets No. 6 Houston in Overtime Thriller

San Diego State Stuns No. 6 Houston in Overtime

San Diego State’s young basketball team delivered a thrilling performance against No. 6 Houston on Saturday night. The Aztecs overcame an 11-point deficit in the second half to win 73-70 in overtime at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, marking one of their most significant victories in recent history.

Coach Brian Dutcher expressed relief and pride after the match. With five new starters and three freshmen, he questioned if the team could perform well early in the season. “We’re pretty good,” he said after the game.

The Aztecs (4-2) previously struggled against ranked teams, with a record of 1-19 all-time against top 5 opponents before this game. Their last win over a No. 6 team occurred in 2019 against Nevada.

San Diego State had a rocky start, trailing for most of the game. Their shooting was poor, and leading scorers Nick Boyd and BJ Davis were scoreless until late in the second half. However, a key turnaround came with strong plays from sophomore Miles Byrd, who scored 18 points and made crucial free throws to tie the game and push it into overtime.

In overtime, the game remained tight. Magoon Gwath made one of two free throws for a three-point lead. Houston had the final possession but could not convert. The shot by LJ Cryer missed just as time expired, sealing the upset victory for the Aztecs.

“We worked hard and deserved this win,” Dutcher added. AQztecs’ players displayed determination and resilience throughout the match, exhibiting their defensive strength and rebounding ability.

The game not only added to San Diego State’s record but also earned the MESA Foundation, the NIL collective for SDSU basketball, $150,000 for their third-place finish in the event. Houston, which received $100,000 for fourth place, acknowledged the Aztecs’ skill and effort.

Key players for San Diego State included Jared Coleman-Jones, who scored 16 points, and Compton with 13 points. This victory served to bolster the Aztecs’ confidence ahead of their upcoming conference games.

In summary, San Diego State’s win against Houston was a statement of their growth and potential this season. The match showcased their young talent and reinforced the team’s reputation as a competitive force in college basketball.