PHOENIX — For the second time in as many seasons, Saint Mary's Men's Basketball will play San Diego State on a neutral floor. Two of the best men's basketball programs in the state of California will duke it out inside the Footprint Center, home of the Phoenix Suns, on Friday night as part of the Jerry Colangelo Classic. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 pm PT.
 
THE DETAILS
Saint Mary's Gaels (10-2) vs. San Diego State Aztecs (6-3)
Friday, December 17 at 7:00 pm
Footprint Center – Phoenix
Watch | Live Audio | Live Stats
 
LAST TIME OUT
Saint Mary's played two games at home after their road trip to Utah State and Colorado State. The Gaels won in convincing fashion twice, beating UC Santa Barbara 80-59 and Stanislaus State 76-39. The UC Santa Barbara win was particularly impressive, given the Gauchos were an NCAA Tournament team from one season ago. Against the Warriors on Tuesday night, the Gaels turned in their best second half of the season, outscoring Stanislaus State 49-11 over the final 20 minutes of play.
 
SECOND HALF SURGE
After struggling through the first half, Saint Mary's came out making plays in the second half against Stanislaus State. An early Warriors bucket to put them up by three led to a 21-2 run for Saint Mary's over the next eight minutes of play, including a 16-0 run that spanned 5:30. While the offense was certainly playing better, the defense held the Warriors to an early 3-17 from the floor halfway through the period, while SMC was shooting at a 60% clip. When extended over the entire period, the Gaels outscored the Warriors 49-11 in the second half, limiting them to just five made baskets.
 
ABOUT SAN DIEGO STATE
The Aztecs have been one of the best men's basketball programs in California over the last several years, and are 6-3 to begin the season. Their three losses have been in games where their opponent has been stout: at BYU, on a neutral floor against then-#24 USC, and at then-#24 Michigan. Defense is a strength of this SDSU squad, ranked tenth according to KenPom in defensive efficiency. Matt Bradley and Trey Pullman run the offense as the only two players over 10 points per game, but neither shoot above a 43% clip.
 
DIGITAL GAMEDAY PROGRAM
All Saint Mary's Men's Basketball gameday programs will be virtual during the 2021-22 season, and the first edition can be found HERE. In it, fans will find a recap of the the Maui Invitational, the Gaels true road trip, and a preview of their final non-conference games AND the conference opener against San Francisco.
 
2021-22 YEARBOOK
The 2021-22 Saint Mary's Basketball Yearbook is available HERE. This contains all of your information on both Saint Mary's basketball programs, coach and player profiles, as well as Saint Mary's, administration, and fan information.
 
#GaelsRise — 2021-22 tickets and ticket packages are on sale now! To purchase tickets, click HERE. If you have questions, contact the ticket office by email smctickets@stmarys-ca.edu or call 925-631-4689…Saint Mary's Basketball…#TogetherAgain