Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
A big game from point guard Xavier Thames helped the San Diego State Aztecs hold off an upset-minded Fresno State Bulldogs team in a 68-60 win. Thames led all scorers in the game with 28 points. He shot 8-of-13 from the floor, including 3-of-5 from 3-point range, and was 9-of-11 from the free throw line. He has put together a string of good games now, averaging just under 20 points per game over the last five.
Fresno State kept the game close, but Thames came up with big shot after big shot to keep some distance between the two teams. Up two points with just over nine minutes to play, Thames buried a three that put the Aztecs up five. From then on, the Bulldogs never got closer.
The 28 point total falls just one point of Thames’s career high of 29, set earlier this season. He faced some stiff competition on the opposing side in Tyler Johnson, who finished with 24 points and 11 rebounds, but it was not enough for the Bulldogs. The win puts the Aztecs at 15-1 on the season. The Aztecs will have a target on their backs as conference play continues. Next up for San Diego State is the UNLV Running Rebels, who are 11-6 on the season.
With Thames leading the way, the Aztecs have one of the best teams in the nation. It will be tough for any team to beat them. Come March, San Diego State could be a serious contender in the NCAA Tournament.
