The Aztecs' Early Season Rhythm: More Than Just Numbers on the Scoreboard

Ah, college basketball. That crisp, hopeful start to a new season, where every dribble and every shot feels like a fresh page turning. For the San Diego State Aztecs, a recent outing against Idaho State felt, in truth, less like a nail-biter and more like a confident stride into their burgeoning campaign. They walked away with a 73-57 victory, a score that, for once, genuinely reflects a well-controlled performance from start to finish.

You could say it was a balanced effort, and that wouldn't be wrong. But calling it simply 'balanced' might undersell the individual brilliance that also shone through. Take Jaedon LeDee, for instance. He wasn't just a scorer; he was a force, pouring in 15 points and, crucially, snagging 10 rebounds. That's a double-double, friends, and it speaks volumes about his impact beyond just putting the ball through the hoop. He’s becoming that reliable presence you just, well, you need on the court.

And then there's Dixon Waters, another significant contributor, who matched LeDee's scoring output with his own 15 points. It’s comforting, isn't it, when you see multiple players stepping up, sharing the offensive load? Reese Waters added a tidy 12 points to the mix, and Micah Parrish chipped in with 11. What this tells me, honestly, is that Coach Dutcher's squad isn't relying on a single star; they're cultivating a deeper, more unpredictable attack — a dangerous prospect for any opponent, I'd wager.

The Aztecs, now sitting pretty at 2-0, seemed to dictate the pace for most of the night. They built a respectable 35-26 lead by halftime, which is a good, solid cushion. But they didn't just sit on it. No, they pushed, expanding that advantage to a healthy 19 points early in the second half. That's the mark of a team that knows how to close, how to maintain control, how to truly dominate when the opportunity arises.

Now, Idaho State, bless their hearts, did have a standout in Kiree Huie, who led their effort with 15 points. But one player, even a good one, rarely makes a team, especially against a cohesive unit like San Diego State. The Bengals, now 0-2, are clearly in a different stage of their season, learning and growing, but this was undeniably the Aztecs' night.

Looking ahead, San Diego State has UC Irvine next on the schedule. And for Idaho State? They'll face St. Thomas (MN). But for now, the Aztecs can savor this one. It wasn't just a win; it was a statement – a confident, well-executed display that suggests this team is finding its stride, its rhythm, and, perhaps most importantly, its identity early in the season. And that, in truth, is a very exciting prospect for their fans.