In the first half, they provided a spark off the bench. They accounted for 21 rebounds, more than the starters. Credit: Getty ImagesĪgainst CoC, the Aztecs finished with 24 bench points. With Jaedon LeDee being a bruiser inside, Aguek Arop a do-it-all player, and Seiko and Parrish legitimate offensive threats, opponents will have headaches accounting for everyone.įurman also has this advantage as SDSU is unaware of their skillset, but the Aztec depth throughout the roster should be something that the Paladins cannot fully prepare for in one day. Immediately, CoC coach Pat Kelsey looked at his cheat sheet to see the traits of the Aztecs on the floor. The Aztecs are too multidimensional.Īgainst the Cougars, Dutcher’s first substitution brought in four players at once. On one day of preparation, Furman will struggle to account for every player’s strong suits in their game. Charleston had somewhat of a clue with four days to prepare and study the SDSU lineup. SDSU’s typical opponents know what is coming in off the Aztec bench. This is a huge advantage in the NCAA Tournament, particularly in the next matchup against Furman.Īll the players in the Mountain West know each other’s tendencies, even those stashed on the bench.

In the most important 20 minutes of the season, they only committed three turnovers in the second half.Įvery game, it seems a different player steps up. It was clear that the players came out timid and were not themselves. A team with four returning seniors who have nightmares of losing their lead to Creighton in the opening round of the NCAA tournament last season. “I thought we were nervous at the start but settled in and played a very good basketball game.” “As much as you say, it’s just another game of basketball, don’t be nervous, be the best version of you, there are nerves that go into this tournament,” Dutcher said. Many of them were careless, as players were weak with the ball. They opened the game with seven turnovers in the first seven minutes and 11 in the first half. Watching the 4-seed go down in an upset may have also activated nerves within the team.

“That was a good thing to see right before we got on the court because as good as Charleston is, and as good as we think we are, it’s up to anybody to take the game,” Matt Bradley said. The crowd erupted inside Amway Center, and SDSU and CoC watched as they awaited their matchup.

The game started a bit late due to Furman’s miraculous win.

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