San Diego State basketball finished off the first half of the Mountain West schedule with a solid win at home against TCU. San Diego State led for much of the game and cruised to a 83-73 victory. The win moves them to 20-3 on the season and 6-1 in Mountain West conference games. This gives them a leg up on winning the conference championship as the season winds down.
San Diego State showed why they are the better team as their hustle and effort helped them pull away in the second half of the game. They were clearly the more aggressive team and the score slowly began to show that.
San Diego State was led by super sophomore Jamaal Franklin who finished with 24 points and 11 rebounds. Franklin made seven out of 11 shots for the game and led San Diego State to the victory. Franklin now has seven double-doubles in his last 10 games and scored in double figures for the eleventh straight game.
James Rahon had 16 points, five rebounds and four assists and four three point baskets in the game. Junior Chase Tapley contributed 14 points and five rebounds. The two junior guards have helped carry the team for much of the season and continued their good play here.
San Diego State has not gone deep into their bench in Mountain West conference games but did in this one. Coach Fisher played a steady eight man rotation and even got the four walk on players in the game with a minute remaining. One bench player, Deshawn Stephens had a great game. Stephens contributed 13 points and six rebounds in the win. Several of his points were on put back dunks that he got off offensive rebounds.
Aztec fans were fired up and enjoyed watching the team win on their home court. This is a solid win and a good victory for the team. Their number 17 ranking is very good and the team is in an excellent position to make another run in the conference and NCAA tournaments. Like other Aztec fans, I never thought that on February 4 this team would be 20-3 and in this position. Fans should enjoy the ride while it lasts.
Kyle Rapoza is a Featured Contributor for the Yahoo! Contributor Network and is a local San Diego resident who witnessed San Diego State's magical 2010 season. Follow him on Twitter @kyler11.
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