SDSU Aztecs-BYU: Return of The Rivalry

SDSU heads into the first round of the EA Sports Maui Invitational against a familiar rival BYU. This was a big time rivalry in the days of Jimmer Fredette and Kawhi Leonard. The personnel may have changed but the stakes are high as ever.

The most important thing that SDSU can do is come out with a methodical offense. The offense has been shooting poorly because they are taking too many quick shots. At one point against CSU Bakersfield almost all the starters were shooting 0-2. They need to be patient against the BYU defense so that they can keep momentum low for the BYU offense. Trey Kell and Kevin Zabo will need to control the offense in order for players to get the right looks.

BYU’s offense will come at SDSU trying to score 100 points. BYU players cannot match J.J. O’Brien and Skylar Spencer in the post game. If they try to win the game outside the perimeter then look for Dwayne Polee II and Winston Shepard to shut them down. BYU has the potential to score all over the Aztecs players but SDSU is better on defense.

SDSU comes in with a great defense that has not allowed more than 60 points by a team. BYU’s offense has scored over 90 points a game. It is very rare that a high tempo offense will hit a stone cold defense early in the season. Yet here they are in a neutral location at Maui. It is going to be an incredible basketball game.

The game will be on ESPN2 at 8:30 p.m. Pacific