USD Falls Just Short of Upsetting #24 San Diego State
By Josh Horton
Dec 5, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Toreros player Duda Sarbaugh (10) reacts after missing the game winning shot against the San Diego State Aztecs at Jenny Craig Pavillion. The Aztecs won 65-64. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Although some predicted this game would be close, I don’t think anyone predicted this game to be THIS close.
The University of San Diego fell to San Diego State by a score of 65-64.
The Toreros were down by 3 with about 5 seconds left, and Steve Fisher decided to foul Christopher Anderson and force him to shoot free throws instead of risking a 3-point shot to tie. This ended up almost biting Fisher right on the behind.
Anderson drained both foul shots, cutting the lead to 1. San Diego then forced a jump-ball, and with the possession arrow pointing their way, it meant that they would get a last crack at winning the game.
The ball was inbounded to Duda Sanadze, who saw a quality look from three-point range. The shot didn’t fall, and the Toreros couldn’t put another shot up. The clock expired and the Toreros fell short in upsetting the No. 24 ranked Aztecs.
Christopher Anderson led the Toreros in scoring with 22 points, including a perfect 3 of 3 from three-point range. Johnny “Buckets” Dee was not far behind with 21.
Thomas Jacobs came off the bench and snagged 8 rebounds, a team high for the Toreros in this contest. Chris Sarbaugh and Christopher Anderson each dished out 4 assists, which led USD tonight.
San Diego State received 17 points from Xavier Thames, a team-high for the Aztecs. Forward Josh Davis was crucial in this contest with a double-double (10 points, 15 rebounds).
Stat of the Game
Anderson’s 22 points tonight is a new career high for him.
Key’s to the Game Checklist
Get Hot From Deep – Check
The Toreros shot 57.1 percent from three-point range today (8-14). Although it can be debated whether San Diego hit enough three-pointers or not, but the Toreros certainly shot the three well today.
Believe You Can Win – Check
There was not a moment in this game where the Toreros looked overwhelmed or outmatched by San Diego State. It was obvious that San Diego had the utmost confidence throughout this game, and it almost carried over to an upset victory for the Toreros.
The Bottom Line
San Diego looked like it could compete with the upper echelon teams in college basketball. The Toreros get after it on the defensive end, and that was clear in this contest. The Toreros can be disappointed with the final score, but the Toreros should not put their heads down based on their effort tonight.