The University of Arizona men’s basketball team looks to compete against San Diego State University on Saturday, Dec. 20, at 8:30 p.m. in Phoenix in the Hall of Fame series. The Wildcats enter this game 10-0 on the season, remaining at the No. 1 spot in the AP poll rankings for the second consecutive week.
History vs. San Diego
The Wildcats hold an impressive 25-7 record over the Aztecs, their last five games going in favor of Arizona as well. The Wildcats’ most recent loss occurred over 10 years ago in 2011, on their home court. The programs’ history runs deep, the rivalry starting on Dec. 27, 1945, Arizona’s first loss in the series.
Aztecs to watch
SDSU is currently 6-3 on the season under ninth-season head coach Brian Dutcher. As the program’s leader, he’s coached the Aztecs to two Sweet 16 appearances in their last three seasons. Impressively, Dutcher is the only coach in San Diego State’s history to have won at least 20 games in his first eight seasons as head coach.
BJ Davis, a junior guard, leads the Aztecs in points this season, averaging 13.3 per game. He earned a season high of 21 points in SDSU’s game against the University of Oregon earlier this season. Davis is a sharp shooter from the 3-point mark, collecting 16 on the season while shooting 53.3%.
In his sophomore season in 2024, Davis recorded 48 steals, climbing the Mountain West conference to No. 7 in steals specifically. Nationally, he fell at No. 183 in steals per game and No. 202 in steals total. Notably, Davis was only averaging 24 minutes per game throughout the season while managing these accolades.
A 7-foot forward from Texas, Magoon Gwath, has made impressive strides this season as well. He dominates the rim with 12 blocks, a team high. As a redshirt freshman, Gwath led the entire Mountain West conference averaging seven blocks per game and 68 total.
This season, Gwath is securing 9.9 points per game on 54.3% shooting from inside. He compliments that with 71.45% shooting from the free-throw line and a 4.6 rebounding average. Gwath’s defense in the paint makes it difficult for opponents to find open shots, his range able to obstruct their view. This has led Gwath to an additional seven steals this season.
Wildcats to watch
Tommy Lloyd advances into this game looking to extend his current undefeated streak as Arizona’s fifth season head coach. This season is Lloyd’s second time finding the No. 1 slot in AP rankings, the first coming in his 2023 season.
The Wildcats have only managed that placement four times in the history of the program. Lloyd’s positive effects on the team and program shine bright in this year’s roster.
Koa Peat continues to ride the top line of Arizona’s stat line as a freshman forward, averaging 14.3 points per game. Peat kicked off his debut with a massive 30-point performance against the reigning national champions, the University of Florida, in the Wildcats’ first game of the season. He also leads in field goals made with 54 on 97 attempts.
Peat records five boards per game and 29 assists, 10 steals and seven blocks on the season. He is expected to continue being a key player for the Wildcats, having started 10-of-10 games so far. Lloyd utilizes his strength and size in the paint, allowing Peat to grab easy points off assists from guards.
Senior forward Tobe Awaka is relentless at the rim this season, similar to his previous season with the Wildcats. He averages 10.2 boards per game, a team high. On top of defensive efforts at the basket, Awaka records 9.2 points per game on 54.8% shooting in the paint.
He has proven his ability from the free-throw line as well, clutching points in key minutes and thriving under pressure. This season, Awaka has made 23-of-36 free throws, the fourth most on the team. Despite being a big down low, Awaka has found an additional 14 assists, four steals and six blocks. His all-around presence continues to play a big role for the Wildcats this season.
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