The Quest for Perfection Ends

The quest for a perfect season on Montezuma Mesa is over.

The San Diego State University men’s basketball team suffered their first loss Wednesday night at Brigham Young University in what was billed as the Aztecs biggest regular season game ever.

BYU broke open a close game to win 71-58.

Coach Steve Fisher had his guys ready to play. They just looked gassed in the second half. They were able to slow the Cougars fast-paced offense but Jimmer Fredette, the nation's leading scorer, gave them fits with 43 points.

SDSU's Kawhi Leonard, who was fighting the flu, needed an IV 90 minutes before game time. He still managed to lead the Aztecs with 22 points and 15 rebounds. He played his heart out in the paint plus he hit from long range.

Aztecs led by a point at the half.

In the second half, Malcolm Thomas got involved in the offense but was held to ten points. The Aztecs had an 8 minute stretch when they didn't score from the floor.

The loss halts the nation's second longest active winning streak at 20.

It's been quite a season for Aztecs fans that have been piling onto the proverbial bandwagon.

“This was not the outcome fans here wanted, said Nick Boas, 2003 SDSU graduate. “Still for some just getting this far is a huge accomplishment.”

The game started strong, causing a frenzy among fans, alumni and students at a downtown watch party.

Thanks to a late three-pointer, BYU trailed 31-30 at halftime. Still in the end, it wasn't enough.

“I really am disappointed but I think they gave it their best shot,” said Kristin Pearey 1999 SDSU graduate.

San Diego State is not a school rich in basketball tradition. Unlike other years, the rest of SDSU's home games for the season are sold out.

“The pride I feel is awesome,” said 1999 SDSU graduate Todd Armstrong.  “When we were going to San Diego State, they were giving away basketball tickets and begging people to come to the games. Now they are sold out every game."

“I don’t care Ii am still proud of the Aztecs 20 and 0, 21 and 1, that's awesome,”Armstrong said. “I love it.”

BYU and SDSU are both 20-1 on the season. They play again in San Diego on Feb. 26.

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