BYU Bags an Easy Victory Over SDSU, 92-89

Things have gotten so bad for the San Diego State basketball team that even the thought of a trip to Hawaii has the Aztecs frowning.

The possibility of traveling to Hawaii for the Western Athletic Conference Tournament opener next week seems increasingly more likely after the Aztecs’ latest loss.

SDSU was soundly defeated by Brigham Young University, 85-68, in front of 2,314 in the Sports Arena Thursday night.

SDSU last week beat Hawaii, 92-89, earning its first WAC victory. If SDSU had beaten BYU it would have opened the WAC Tournament at home. Now, SDSU must beat Utah Saturday here to avoid a trip to Hawaii.

“We don’t want to go back to Hawaii,” said SDSU’s Josh Lowery, who scored 15 points Thursday. “The long ride, the time change, these things are too much on us. We really don’t want to play there because they do have a hostile crowd.”

Besides, the Aztecs have already beaten Hawaii once in the Sports Arena.

The victory against Hawaii caused the bag-heads to disappear from the Sports Arena. After BYU’s job on the Aztecs, bags might make their way back into fashion.

BYU (11-4, 19-9) did as it pleased in the opening half, driving inside and shooting outside, leading 47-26 at the half. The Aztecs, meanwhile, had little success doing anything.

SDSU Coach Smokey Gaines said before the game that although the season has been rough for the Aztecs, at least they were hitting from the outside. Thursday night, SDSU (1-14, 3-24) couldn’t even do that, shooting 36% (28 for 77) from the field.

The Aztecs made 2 for 13 (11%) from beyond the three-point line. The only bright spot for SDSU was the play of Lowery and Gerald Murray, who finished with 17 points.

Gaines attributed much of the Cougars’ success to their attitude. “They were playing with a purpose in mind,” he said.

That purpose is to win the WAC title. BYU is tied with Wyoming for second place. Each is 11-4. UTEP is 12-3.

SDSU’s purpose at this point?

“Just to win,” said Aztec guard Darryl Gaines, who scored 14 points. “We just want to finish the season with somewhat of a positive note, if we can.”