San Diego’s Aztecs Suffer Defeat to Utah State Aggies

News Summary

In a hard-fought battle on February 22, 2025, the San Diego State Aztecs faced a setback against the Utah State Aggies, losing 79-71. The game was marred by an injury to forward Magoon Gwath, raising concerns for the Aztecs’ season. Despite a strong second-half effort led by Jared Coleman-Jones and BJ Davis, the Aztecs couldn’t finalize their comeback. This defeat brings their record to 18-7, making their upcoming match against New Mexico crucial as they strive for a successful end to the season.

San Diego’s Aztecs Face Tough Loss Against Utah State

In a nail-biting game on February 22, 2025, the San Diego State Aztecs faced off against the Utah State Aggies, only to suffer a disappointing 79-71 defeat. This loss not only stings, but it could also have some serious implications for the team’s season moving forward. Just two minutes into the game, the Aztecs took a devastating hit as forward Magoon Gwath went down with a knee injury, leaving fans and teammates alike holding their breath. Coach Brian Dutcher has reported that it appears to be a sprain, but the team is waiting for an MRI to confirm the full extent of the injury.

The Impact of Gwath’s Injury

Before this setback, Gwath had been on a major roll, being named Mountain West Freshman of the Week three times. His absence was palpable as the Aztecs initially struggled to find their rhythm after he was helped off the court, his right knee heavily iced and wrapped in a brace. This has unfortunately been a pattern for SDSU this season, starting games slow and finding themselves in tough spots.

As the first half progressed, Utah State seized the opportunity, heading into halftime with a 33-26 lead. A large part of this was due to a fantastic performance from Dexter Akanno, who was lighting up the scoreboard with 12 points by the end of the first half. The Aggies even expanded their lead to as much as 14 points, leaving the Aztecs needing to rally.

Aztecs’ Second-Half Surge

Jared Coleman-Jones was instrumental in the Aztecs’ resurgence, starting things off with a layup, and BJ Davis further fueled the comeback with two crucial three-pointers. It seemed like the Aztecs might steal the game right under the Aggies’ noses!

Bright Spots Amidst the Setback

Nick Boyd led his team with 15 points and six assists, while DJ Davis chipped in another 14 points, showcasing their resilience and skill amid the chaos. Though Coach Dutcher expressed pride in his team’s fighting spirit, he did stress the importance of turning these battles into wins as they approach the end of the season.

Suffering this loss puts the Aztecs’ record at 18-7 overall and 11-5 in Mountain West Conference play, making their upcoming match against the New Mexico Lobos – who are currently leading the conference – even more crucial. The team must regroup quickly to face this challenge head-on as they aim to get back into the win column and prove their mettle.

Looking Ahead

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HERE Resources

Additional Resources

• Sports Illustrated: KenPom Rankings Update
• Google Search: San Diego State basketball
• Mountain West Connection: Basketball Reactions
• Wikipedia: 2025 Mountain West Conference men’s basketball tournament
• KSL Sports: San Diego State Loss Report
• Google News: Utah State Aggies
• Salt Lake Tribune: Utah State Basketball Update
• Encyclopedia Britannica: College Basketball
• Times of San Diego: SDSU vs Utah State Recap

Author: Anaheim Staff Writer

Anaheim Staff Writer The Anaheim Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREAnaheim.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Anaheim, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as major conventions at the Anaheim Convention Center, including NAMM and VidCon, exciting games at Angel Stadium and Honda Center, and developments at Disneyland Resort Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce and Visit Anaheim, plus leading businesses in hospitality, entertainment, and innovation that power the local economy As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECostaMesa.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.