SDSU Edges Closer to Conference Tournament Amid Player Decisions

LARAMIE, Wyo. — The San Diego State Aztecs will face the Wyoming Cowboys Saturday at 5 p.m. at the Arena-Auditorium, looking to solidify their position for the upcoming Mountain West Conference tournament.

SDSU enters the game with a record of 19-7 overall and 12-5 in conference play. Although not mathematically eliminated from the title chase, the Aztecs are largely focused on securing a favorable seed, either third, fourth, or fifth. They hold the critical tiebreaker over teams such as Colorado State and Boise State, ensuring their chances of a favorable seed if they end in a tie with those teams.

In their previous encounter on Feb. 1, the Aztecs overcame an 18-point deficit against Wyoming, ultimately winning 63-61 at Viejas Arena. However, they faced challenges during that game, particularly when Nick Boyd was ejected and the team nearly squandered an 11-point lead late.

Playing in Wyoming presents unique challenges as well; this match marks their sixth altitude game, with the Cowboys’ home court sitting at 7,220 feet above sea level. SDSU assistant coach Dave Velasquez acknowledged the risks but emphasized their preparedness. “At this time of year, we’ve played in enough altitude games to know how your body is going to feel to get that second and third wind,” he stated.

On the injury front, SDSU’s Magoon Gwath is recovering from a hyperextended knee sustained during a recent loss to Utah State. While he is expected to make the trip for Saturday’s match, coach Brian Dutcher has indicated that Gwath will likely need more time for rehabilitation before returning fully.

Conversely, the Cowboys are navigating a tough stretch, suffering seven losses in their past eight games, with a lone victory against last-place Air Force. They currently sit in ninth place in the conference, headed toward the 8-9 play-in game of the tournament against San Jose State. This matchup will also serve as senior night, honoring seven players, including top scorer Obi Agbim, who averages 17.7 points per game and ranks fifth nationally in three-point shooting percentage.

Agbim’s potential entry into the transfer portal could attract significant interest from other programs, as he retains an extra year of eligibility. Meanwhile, only one other Cowboy averages double figures, posing challenges for their offensive dynamics.

SDSU aims not only for victory but also to build momentum heading into their next contest against UNLV on Tuesday. The game against Wyoming will offer critical insights into the preparations required for postseason play.

As for Miles Byrd, a redshirt sophomore guard, his announcement regarding his future adds another layer of intrigue for the Aztecs. Byrd has stated that he will not enter the transfer portal, expressing his commitment to return to SDSU next season if he chooses not to go pro. This comes amid speculation about his NBA prospects as he prepares to explore his options post-season.

“If I’m coming back to college, I’m coming back to SDSU,” Byrd confidently asserted.

Byrd currently ranks within the top 15 in several categories within the Mountain West, making him a key component of the Aztecs’ strategy both now and in future seasons. Multiple scouts have shown interest in Byrd, especially following standout performances earlier in the season, although concerns about his readiness for the draft have been expressed. As he weighs his options, the April 26 deadline for declaring for the draft looms.

“I’ll maybe do some pre-draft stuff with my agency and see where that takes me,” Byrd said. “But right now all I care about is how we finish out this year and where we seed ourselves come March.”