San Diego State Faces Altitude Challenge in New Mexico Showdown

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The San Diego State Aztecs are set to face a unique challenge as they head to The Pit in Albuquerque, N.M., for a high-stakes Mountain West basketball game against the New Mexico Lobos. The game, scheduled for Saturday, marks the 97th meeting between the two teams, with New Mexico holding a slight edge in the all-time series. However, the Aztecs have dominated in the Mountain West era, leading 28-25.

The Pit, known for its raucous atmosphere and high elevation of 5,108 feet, presents a significant hurdle for the Aztecs. Most of the team has limited experience playing at altitude, with only a handful of players having faced the challenges of thin air in previous seasons. “Before I even took a layup, I was gasping for air,” said Miles Byrd, a junior guard who experienced the altitude during his freshman year. “Elevation is definitely a thing.”

San Diego State head coach Brian Dutcher is well aware of the impact altitude can have on his players. “Altitude affects everybody differently,” Dutcher said. “We’ve had guys get headaches, get sick, and not be able to play at all. Others just slow down. We’ll see who it affects this time.”

The Aztecs (10-3, 3-1) have been strong on the road this season, but altitude adds a new layer of complexity. Last season, San Diego State struggled in high-elevation games, losing five of six contests played above 4,500 feet. The lone win came against Air Force, which finished at the bottom of the conference standings.

To prepare, the team has focused on hydration and nutrition, including beet juice, which is rich in nitric oxide and helps improve oxygen delivery to muscles. Athletic trainer Sergio Ibarra has been instrumental in implementing these strategies. “We don’t try to make altitude the end-all, be-all,” Dutcher said. “We deal with it. We don’t pretend it doesn’t exist.”

Beyond the altitude, the Aztecs will also face a formidable opponent in New Mexico. The Lobos (13-3, 5-0) are riding a six-game winning streak and sit atop the Mountain West standings. The Pit, with its capacity of 15,411, is one of the most intimidating venues in college basketball, and the Lobos’ loyal fan base ensures a hostile environment for visiting teams.

San Diego State’s defense, which ranks among the nation’s best, will be put to the test. The Aztecs lead the Mountain West in blocks per game (5.8) and are third nationally in opponent field goal percentage (35.5%). Freshman center Taj DeGourville has been a standout, ranking seventh in the nation with 2.77 blocks per game.

Despite the challenges, the Aztecs remain confident. “We have to come in with the right mindset,” DeGourville said. “We can’t think we’re going to be tired because of the elevation. We have to push through it.”

Tip-off is scheduled for 11 a.m. MT/10 a.m. PT, with the game broadcast on CBS. The outcome could have significant implications for the Mountain West standings as both teams vie for conference supremacy.