SDSU Faces Colorado State in High-Stakes Mountain West Showdown

SAN DIEGO, Calif. — The San Diego State Aztecs (10-4, 3-2 Mountain West) will host the Colorado State Rams (10-6, 4-1) in a pivotal conference matchup at 8 p.m. Tuesday at Viejas Arena. The game, broadcast on CBSSN and 760 AM, features two of the top defenses in the Mountain West, with SDSU leading the conference and Colorado State ranking second.

The Aztecs, coming off a 62-48 loss at New Mexico on Saturday, have seen their national ranking drop significantly. After reaching as high as No. 13 in The Associated Press poll earlier this season, only one of 62 voters ranked them this week, placing them 35th overall. Despite offensive struggles, SDSU’s defense remains elite, ranking fifth in Kenpom defensive efficiency and second nationally in defensive field-goal percentage at 35.5%.

Miles Byrd, averaging 13.4 points per game, has emerged as the team’s leading scorer, surpassing Nick Boyd (12.7 points). The Aztecs’ strength of schedule, ranked 16th and 18th in different metrics, has tested their resilience. Kenpom projects a 69-60 SDSU victory.

Colorado State, meanwhile, has surged to an 84th ranking in the NET after starting the season at 207. The Rams have won their last three games by an average of 23.7 points, though against lower-tier conference opponents. Nique Clifford, a Colorado transfer, leads the team with 16.9 points and 9.9 rebounds per game, making him a top pro prospect in the Mountain West. Senior Jalen Lake (12.8 points) and sophomore Kyan Evans (11.2 points) provide additional scoring depth.

The Rams’ offensive rebounding struggles, ranking 319th nationally, could be a key factor against SDSU’s stout defense. The Aztecs have held eight opponents to their worst shooting performances of the season.

This matchup marks the 97th meeting between the two programs, with SDSU leading the series 52-44. The teams split their games last season, each winning on their home court. The Aztecs will look to rebound from their recent loss and solidify their standing in the Mountain West, while Colorado State aims to extend its winning streak and challenge for conference supremacy.

Next up, SDSU will face UNLV on Saturday at 5 p.m., also on CBSSN.