San Diego State Takes On Rhode Island Tonight

Three new starters helped the San Diego State men’s basketball team beat Dartmouth, 86-59, Monday night. But any combination of Aztecs may be overmatched against the University of Rhode Island at 7:30 tonight in the San Diego Sports Arena.

Aztec Coach Jim Brandenburg considers Rhode Island (5-1) one of the best teams in the nation.

“They’re at least a Top 25 team,” he said. “They may have the best guard combination in the country. Their guard play is unbelievable. They play NBA style basketball.”

Brandenburg was talking about Carlton Owens and Tom Garrick. Owens has made 19 of 40 (48%) three-pointers this season and averaged 25.1 points per game. Garrick has averaged 16.1 points, 5.6 assists and 3.2 steals.

The Rams also have 6-foot 8-inch sophomore forward Kenny Green, who was named the Atlantic-10 player of the week after he scored 23 points and 12 rebounds against Providence, which made it to the NCAA semifinals last season.

Rhode Island beat Providence, 92-70, and also defeated Virginia on the road, 76-73. Rhode Island’s only loss came at Temple, 75-66.

Guard Tony Ross leads San Diego St. with a 17.1 scoring average. Senior forward Rodney Hawkins, who has averaged 12.0 points, scored a career-high 23 points Monday.

The Aztecs (4-4) are trying to go above .500 for the first time this season. The game is the fourth of a six-game home stand.