San Diego State holds Colorado State to six baskets on the game, despite shooting nearly 50% from the free throw line.
Rams 33% shooting and Aztecs paint dominance sends SDSU to a rematch against New Mexico in yet another semi-final.
Thomas & Mack Center was maybe half full when the Aztecs and Rams took to the court on Thursday evening. The previous two games had finished and home team UNLV was sent packing in the first game, losing 80-60 to tournament favorite Utah State. The game was followed by in-state rival Nevada holding off Grand Canyon 84-60. There were Aztec fans, but the majority of fans were for New Mexico, who would play the nightcap and defeat San Jose State 93-77. The Aztecs were coming off of a bye and had four days to rest and prepare for Colorado State. Much of the focus was on defensively controlling the game. Count that as a success as they managed to keep the Rams away from the basket and away from the ball. On the evening, the Aztecs stymied the Rams on offense, holding them to only six baskets on 33% shooting. The Rams had twice as many three-pointers, going 13-34 from beyond the arc. The Rams were strangers at the free-throw line as well, converting only 11 of 13 attempts. The Aztecs outrebounded Colorado State 43-31 and thoroughly controlled the paint, outscoring the Rams 42-8…