San Diego State survives scare from Sycamores
Unranked Indiana State fights but falls to the No. 18 Aztecs in Honolulu.
Chase Tapley believes Indiana State gave No. 18 San Diego State its toughest test of the season.
Now he hopes it pushes the Aztecs forward as they look toward Mountain West play and a possible NCAA Tournament berth.
“We need games like that for later on,” said Tapley, who scored 13 points as the Aztecs (11-1) beat Indiana State 62-55 on Sunday in Honolulu. “It gives us good experience.”
Jamaal Franklin had 19 points and 15 rebounds to lead San Diego State to the finals of the Diamond Head Classic tournament on Tuesday.
The Aztecs pulled ahead for good during a seven-point run that included five straight points from Tapley. With less than five minutes to play, Tapley drove to the basket and was stopped by Jake Odum, who was called for a flagrant foul. Tapley made two free throws, and a quick 3pointer on the ensuing possession, giving the Aztecs a 51-44 lead.
The Sycamores (6-4) got no closer than three points after that.
R.J. Mahurin had 15 points, and Manny Arop added 13 for Indiana State.
Clemson 77, South Carolina State 41: Milton Jennings and Damarcus Harrison scored 15 points each as the host Tigers (7-4) beat the Bulldogs (49) for the 11th time in 12 games. Matthew Hezekiah scored 14 points off the bench to lead South Carolina State, which has lost six straight.
Mississippi 85, San Francisco 78: Murphy Holloway scored 23 points and grabbed 13 rebounds to lead the Rebels (9-2) over the Dons (5-6) in a consolation-round game of the Diamond Head Classic in Honolulu.