Rebounding Problems Continue as Winless Aztecs Fall to Arizona

As San Diego State was leaving McKale Center Thursday night, three football/basketball players decided to have an impromptu weigh-in.

Rob Hawkins, 6-feet 5-inches, tipped the scales at 205 pounds. Dave DesRochers, 6-3, weighed 265. Doug Aronson, 6-3, weighed 290.

Now, if only their beef could be utilized on the basketball court, the Aztecs would solve one of their biggest problems.

For the time being, SDSU is simply getting overpowered inside. The outmanned Aztecs suffered their fifth-straight loss Thursday by falling to Arizona, 72-66, before 9,211 fans.

SDSU is off to its second-worst start in history. The Aztecs began 0-6 in 1923-24 against teams with names such as 35th Division, Eta Omega Delta and San Diego Trust.

If these Aztecs ever hope to make a name for themselves, it will have to start inside. SDSU was outrebounded for the fifth straight game as Arizona held a 33-28 edge on the boards.

The answer may eventually come when 6-8 center Steffond Johnson returns from lower back spasms (probably after Christmas), or when the football players get in basketball shape.

“I don’t think they are ready yet,” Coach Smokey Gaines said. “After they get a few more practices under their belts, things might be better.”

Presently, things couldn’t be much worse for 6-8 forward John Martens. Without Johnson or 6-8 Gerald Murray, who will likely miss the season with a broken kneecap, Martens has become SDSU’s lone rebounder.

The Aztecs have also been starting 6-8 freshman Kevin Brown, but Gaines has quickly pulled Brown for ineffectiveness in the last two games. Gaines has been hesitant to bring Brown back unless necessary.

“I’ve been playing with four guards a lot, which makes it really hard,” Martens said. “This is the first time I’ve played strictly inside. Being out there with four guards makes it difficult offensively and defensively. On offense, they pack the zones in on us. On defense, at least one of our guards has to cover a forward.”

Arizona (4-3) took advantage of such a situation when Brown replaced Martens with 9:01 remaining after Martens picked up his fourth foul. The Wildcat lead went from 54-52 to 62-56 before Martens returned with 5:44 remaining.

After SDSU eventually cut the deficit to 64-62, Arizona took advantage of 6-6 center John Edgar.

First, Edgar tipped in the rebound of a missed free throw. Then, after rebounding a missed SDSU shot, Edgar dunked a ball at the other end and was fouled. When Edgar made the ensuing free throw, Arizona led, 69-62, with 2:34 remaining.

SDSU lost its entire starting front line of Andre Ross, Michael Kennedy and Leonard Allen after last season. With each game, their absence becomes more obvious.

“In the past, we have been like a power team with three big people,” Gaines said. “We didn’t give second and third shots like we are now. We’ve been getting outrebounded every game, and it hurts us.”

The Aztecs are also hurting physically. Reserve guard Bobby Owens joined Johnson and Murray on the injury list with a sprained ankle.

In addition, the Aztecs are suffering from a bruised ego for the moment. But that’s what 0-5 starts do to teams.

Freshman Josh Lowery and senior Creon Dorsey tied for SDSU scoring honors with 18 points against Arizona. Martens had 12 points and 6 rebounds, tying Anthony Watson for the team high in rebounds.

SDSU expected to struggle with a lineup that included three seniors and two freshmen starters, along with four freshmen and three football players on the bench.

However, Arizona also suffers from inexperience. Seven of its first eight players are underclassmen, including four freshmen.

When the Wildcats needed help most, they went to Edgar, their only senior starter. He had a game-high 21 points and 8 rebounds.

“The smart thing to do is attack freshmen,” Dorsey said. “Ours are playing well, but we’re just not clicking.”

Afterward, Gaines was questioning himself for playing his first five games on the road. He figured it would make his freshmen tougher for the Western Athletic Conference, which remains to be seen.

“I knew playing our first five games on the road would be tough,” Gaines said. “This is the last time my first five games will be on the road.”

At long last, SDSU will play its home opener Saturday night against the University of San Diego at the Sports Arena.