Aztecs are continuing to do it with defense
Run to Final Four is based on toughness
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Brian Dutcher lays out San Diego State’s mission in plain talk to avoid any confusion.
“We’re a defensive-first team,” the sixth-year coach said after the Aztecs muscled past Creighton 57-56 on Sunday and into their first Final Four. “Everybody knows that about us, and our defense carries us.”
The challenge for Florida Atlantic, Uconn or Miami this weekend in Houston is solving the disruptive mix of quick hands and physicality the experienced Aztecs have used to wear down opponents.
Only New Mexico, UNR and Boise State have cracked that defensive code since the year started, the last setback coming nearly a month ago. Fifth-seeded San Diego State (31-6) is 14-1 since Feb. 3 and it has ratcheted up the resistance in March Madness triumphs against overall top seed Alabama, No. 12 College of Charleston and No. 13 Furman.
All three teams shot just 32 percent against a rotation of veterans and transfers who have bought into Dutcher’s philosophy. Alabama committed 14 turnovers, had eight shots blocked and was held 18 points below its season average in the 71-64 Sweet 16 loss.
Sixth-seeded Creighton shot 40 percent in the South Region final, but just 28 percent while missing all 10 long-range attempts during a pivotal second half. The Bluejays finished 2 of 17 from deep, and San Diego State opponents have made 16 of 94 attempts (17 percent) in the tournament.
The Mountain West Conference’s first Final Four participant will face FAU on Saturday.
“They play a brand of basketball that’s built on toughness, built on intelligence,” Creighton coach Greg Mcdermott said. “They don’t take many bad shots, and they’re very physical when the ball goes up in the glass.”
Alabama coach Nate Oats said that San Diego State’s physicality bothered his team.
“They’re a tough, physical, big, strong experienced team, and especially in the first half we didn’t come out prepared,” Oats said.
One of the happiest San Diego State players after the game was leading scorer Matt Bradley, who was held to eight points over the weekend. While he was off, he saw the Aztecs get big stops and timely contributions from Aguek Arop and Mensah.
“We’ve got seven, eight dudes that could just get a bucket for us, get a big stop and just make a game-winning play,” Bradley said. “That’s a testament to what this team has personnel-wise.”