Somewhat quietly, San Diego State's men's basketball program is off to a very good start.
The Aztecs beat Long Island University 81-64 at Viejas Arena on Friday night, running their record to 5-0 for the first time since the 2014-15 season. That was also the last season SDSU won an NCAA Tournament game so if you're looking for trends (or simply good omens) that's not a bad one to have.
This year's team might be the deepest that head coach Brian Dutcher has had yet. Against LIU the Aztecs had nine players score points, four of them in double figures.
Guard Matt Mitchell led the way with an efficient 18 points in 24 minutes. Fellow junior guard Malachi Flynn had a double-double with 13 points and 10 assists while senior forward Yanni Wetzell, a transfer from Vanderbilt, hit six of seven shots to finish with 13 points and five rebounds.
Up next for the Aztecs is a home game against Tennessee State on Monday night. Then they get what could be their toughest test of the season to date. On Thanksgiving they play Crieghton in the Las Vegas Invitational at Orleans Arena. If they win that game they'll likely get a date with 12th-ranked Texas Tech (who plays Iowa in the tournament). The Red Raiders are undefeated and were in the National Championship game last year.
