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Aztecs Host Colorado State: A Potential Trap Game?
4 months agoUS
The San Diego State Aztecs (14-5, 8-1) hosted the Colorado State Rams (12-8, 3-6) on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at Viejas Arena. This game was a potential 'trap game' for the Aztecs, sandwiched between a convincing win against UNLV and an upcoming showdown with Utah State. Here's a recap of the game preview and key predictions.
Key Insights
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Trap Game Alert: The game against Colorado State was considered a potential trap game due to its placement in the schedule and the Rams' ability to shoot well from the three-point line.
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3-Point Shooting: Colorado State is known for its excellent 3-point shooting, ranking among the top teams nationally in accuracy. They average 11.3 made 3s and shooting 48.6% behind the arc over the past three games. On the season, they’re No. 2 nationally in 3-point accuracy at 41.3%.
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Key Players: Kyle Jorgensen, Brandon Rechsteiner, Josh Pascarelli, and Carey Booth are key players for Colorado State, all shooting over 42% from three.
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Turnover Battle: San Diego State excels at forcing turnovers, while Colorado State struggles with ball security. Winning the turnover battle was crucial for the Aztecs.
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Miles Byrd's Performance: Miles Byrd, a key player for San Diego State, needed to perform well for the Aztecs to secure a victory.
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Betting Odds: San Diego State was favored by 9.5 points, with the over/under set at 139 points.
In-Depth Analysis
Team Overviews
Colorado State Rams:
Coached by Ali Farokhmanesh, the Rams had a strong non-conference record but struggled in the Mountain West. They are known for their high-variance offense, relying heavily on 3-point shooting. However, their defense is lacking, particularly in rim protection.
San Diego State Aztecs:
The Aztecs, under coach Brian Dutcher, aimed to avoid the trap game scenario. Their opponents score a high percentage of their points from 3-pointers, making perimeter defense crucial. Offensively, they tend to generate mid-range looks.
Keys to Victory for San Diego State
1.
Lock Down on the Perimeter:
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The Rams are the top three-point shooting team in the country at 41.5%, averaging 10.5 makes on 25.5 attempts per game. The Aztecs needed to limit open looks from beyond the arc.
2.
Win the Turnover Battle:
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Colorado State turns the ball over frequently. SDSU needed to capitalize on these turnovers while minimizing their own mistakes.
3.
Let Byrd Cook:
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Miles Byrd's performance was crucial. His scoring and all-around play were vital for the Aztecs to secure a victory.
Betting Analysis
Analysts predicted a potentially close game due to Colorado State's offensive capabilities. The recommendation was to bet on the under (139.5 points) due to the Rams' streaky shooting and the Aztecs' controlled offensive pace.
FAQs
Why was this game considered a trap game for San Diego State?
** - A: Because it was between a big win against UNLV and an upcoming game against Utah State, making it easy for the Aztecs to overlook Colorado State.
What is Colorado State's biggest strength?
** - A: Their three-point shooting, as they are one of the top teams in the nation in 3-point accuracy.
What did San Diego State need to do to win?
** - A: Focus on perimeter defense, win the turnover battle, and have a strong performance from Miles Byrd.
Key Takeaways
The San Diego State Aztecs faced a challenging game against a strong three-point shooting Colorado State team. To secure a win, SDSU needed to focus on limiting turnovers, defending the perimeter, and getting a strong performance from key players like Miles Byrd. The game was a potential trap game, requiring the Aztecs to maintain focus and execute their game plan effectively.
Discussion
Do you think San Diego State successfully avoided the trap game and secured a win? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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