SDSU ready to make a run in the NCAA tournament
By Matt Welch
Mar 15, 2013; Las Vegas, NV, USA; San Diego State Aztecs forward Deshawn Stephens (23) warms up just before the start of the game against the New Mexico Lobos during the semifinals of the Mountain West tournament at the Thomas
After finishing 22-10 and a short-lived entry into the MWC tournament, the San Diego State Aztecs were given a #7 seed in the South Region of the NCAA tournament.
The Aztecs are 2-8 all time in the NCAA tournament and have never been to a Final Four. Last season they lost in the first round to North Carolina, 79-65. The only time they’ve advanced past the first round was back in 2011, when they were given a #2 seed in the tourney. They beat Northern Colorado and Temple before losing to #3 seed UCONN, 74-67. UCONN went on to win the National Championship. They’ve lost 7 out of 8 times in the very first round.
This season, they’ve been led by guard Jamaal Franklin. Franklin is averaging 16.7 points and 9.5 rebounds per game this season. The 2012 MWC player of the year is looking to continue his strong play to lift the Aztecs over the Oklahoma Sooners in tomorrow night’s game.
Oklahoma has a record of 20-11 this season and are being led by Romero Osby. Osby’s averaging 15.8 points and 7.0 rebounds.
The Aztecs have a tough road ahead of them. If they win, they’ll take on a powerful Georgetown team.
Joe Lunardi, ESPN’s bracketologist, has picked SDSU to beat Oklahoma but lost in the 2nd round to Georgetown.
SDSU will tip-off against Oklahoma tomorrow night at 9:20 pm ET in Philadelphia.