JJ O'Brien had 18 points and 11 rebounds as No. 13 San Diego State extended its winning streak to 13 games with a 79-72 victory over Air Force on Sunday.
It is the second-longest winning streak in school history for the Aztecs (14-1, 3-0 Mountain West) and it continues their second-best start ever behind 20-0 in 2010-11.
Tre' Coggins had 29 points, including five 3-pointers, for the Falcons (8-7, 2-2), who did not go down easily against the taller, deeper and more physical Aztecs. Air Force led for much of the first half before trailing 31-27 at the break.
San Diego State's rebounding advantage and 3-point shooting proved the difference. The Aztecs held a 39-30 rebounding edge including 17-6 on the offensive end. The Aztecs were 7 of 14 from beyond the arc while the Falcons were 7 of 20.
Even though San Diego State had won nine of the previous 11 meetings, Clune Arena has been a nemesis for the Aztecs the past two years, including a Falcons' 70-67 victory last season and a 58-56 win in 2012. The Aztecs were ranked in both losses.
Air Force had won eight of its last nine games at Clune coming into Sunday. The Aztecs started the second half on a 7-0 run over the first 2 minutes for a 38-27 lead.
Xavier Thames had 16 points for the Aztecs and Josh Davis added 13 points and 11 rebounds. Matt Shrigley scored all 13 of his points in the second half, connecting on three big 3-pointers midway through the second half.
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San Diego State was the Falcons' first ranked opponent this season. Air Force is 4-80 against ranked opponents in program history. The Falcons will likely have another chance when they play at San Diego State on Feb. 15.
