Aztecs Seek Payback Against Grand Canyon, Control Mountain West Destiny
San Diego State faces a crucial rematch against Grand Canyon on Tuesday night at Viejas Arena, seeking to avenge a controversial 70-69 loss last month in Phoenix. The game carries significant weight as the Aztecs (18-6, 12-2 Mountain West) are tied for first place in the conference and control their own destiny in the race for a Mountain West title.
The January 21st defeat at Grand Canyon was marked by a late-game foul call that sent Antelopes guard Makaih Williams to the free-throw line with 1.8 seconds remaining. Williams converted both attempts, securing the victory for GCU. SDSU coach Brian Dutcher showed his team footage of the play, not to dwell on perceived injustice, but as a teaching moment. He emphasized the importance of funneling opposing ball-handlers towards the middle of the court in late-game situations, rather than allowing them a clear path down the sideline.
“We lost, so it hurts,” said guard Taj DeGourville. “We can’t think that we got robbed, but we’re going to have to take it back, though. So… yeah.” Fellow guard Reese Dixon-Waters echoed that sentiment, stating, “It was a little frustrating. We felt like we had the game won.”
The loss followed a missed free throw by BJ Davis with 7.7 seconds left, while the Aztecs held a one-point lead. Davis has since acknowledged the uncharacteristic miss impacted him for weeks, leading to a brief scoring slump.
Dutcher emphasized the importance of focusing on the present, with key games against Grand Canyon and Utah State – both teams that have already defeated SDSU this season – looming large. “Payback games,” Dutcher said. “We’ll see if we can get payback or not. It’s easy to say, hard to do.”
Grand Canyon (16-9, 9-5) has emerged as a formidable opponent, bolstered by significant investment in Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals and revenue sharing, attracting several high-profile transfers. The Antelopes have reached three consecutive NCAA Tournaments and boast a roster ranked 13th nationally in Division I experience and 15th in height. They are the only team to have defeated both San Diego State and Utah State this season.
“It’s not like we’re going to think, we’re just going to play hard and win,” Dutcher cautioned. “We have to play better to win. We have to be better offensively against a really good defensive team. We have to continue to rebound at a high level. We’re going to have to play a really good game. We can’t just come out and play and win.”
The Aztecs will welcome back the presence of 7-foot forward Magoon Gwath, who missed six games with a hip injury before returning in Saturday’s 71-57 win against Nevada. Gwath made an immediate impact, scoring 13 points, including three 3-pointers, and blocking five shots in just 14 minutes of play. He became the first Aztec since at least the 1996-97 season to record at least three 3-pointers and five blocks in a single game.
Notably, Gwath is no longer wearing a knee brace, which Dutcher believes is contributing to improved mobility. “He would tell you he’s got the 2-pound knee brace off and he’s moving better,” Dutcher said. “This was the point last year when we lost Magoon for the rest of the season until the NCAA Tournament. Now this is a different dynamic. We’ve added him for the last seven games.”
Freshman guard Elzie Harrington will remain sidelined with a lower leg injury, despite participating in some drills at Monday’s practice. Doctors have advised a four-to-six week rest period, and Dutcher anticipates Harrington may be available for Saturday’s game at Colorado State.
Tuesday’s game is scheduled for 7 p.m. At Viejas Arena and will be televised on CBS Sports Network. It can also be heard on 760-AM radio.
SDSU vs. Grand Canyon
When: 7 p.m. Tuesday
Where: Viejas Arena
TV: CBS Sports Network
Radio: 760-AM
