UPDATE: The San Diego State Aztecs are poised for a critical showdown against the Utah State Aggies on Wednesday night at Viejas Arena. A victory would propel the Aztecs back into first place in the Mountain West Conference, creating an urgent scenario for both teams.
After suffering a tough 83-74 loss to Colorado State on January 3, 2026, the Aztecs, now at 18-8 overall and 12-4 in the Mountain West, found themselves two games behind Utah State in the loss column. The defeat left them feeling despondent as they boarded their bus for the airport, but a surprising turn of events occurred while on the tarmac — Utah State lost to Nevada, reigniting hope for the Aztecs.
“We’re very fortunate, I would say,” said senior Reese Waters. “We’re not going to take this for granted.” With Utah State now only a game ahead, the Aztecs have a chance to reclaim the lead with three games remaining, including two challenging road games against New Mexico and Boise State.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. Head coach Brian Dutcher emphasized, “Now we have our fate in our own hands,” highlighting the importance of this upcoming game. The Aztecs have shown resilience before, bouncing back from consecutive losses effectively, boasting a record of 9-0 in their last nine games following defeats.
Jeremiah Oden, a key player for San Diego State, expressed the team’s renewed excitement. “If you don’t get excited about that, you’re not happy with what you’re doing,” he stated after the unexpected twist in the conference standings.
Despite their recent struggles, including missing injured starters and dealing with player foul trouble, the Aztecs remain determined. “We just have to manage frustrations, manage emotion, and be better in certain stretches of the game,” added forward Dixon-Waters.
Fans and analysts alike are watching closely as this matchup unfolds. The Aztecs are ready to harness this opportunity to surge into the final stretch of the season. The atmosphere at Viejas Arena is expected to be electric as supporters rally behind their team in this must-win game.
As San Diego State prepares to reclaim their destiny, the urgency is palpable. The outcome of this game could significantly impact their NCAA Tournament aspirations. Will they rise to the occasion, or will their recent struggles continue? All eyes will be on the Aztecs this Wednesday night as they seek redemption and a shot at first place.
