Diamond Head Classic: San Diego State takes on Arizona for title

San Diego State is currently on an 11-game winning streak when they take on No. 3 ranked, and undefeated, Arizona in the title game of the Diamond Head Classic. This game features two of the best teams out West, and the winner could possibly claim that right -- well, UNLV and Gonzaga may have a say about this.

A win for San Diego State will be huge since their schedule has not been the best, and their best win is arguably against UCLA who is 9-3. The Aztecs also have not defeated a ranked team this year.

These two teams played last year, and San Diego State was the victor by winning 61-57 and that game ended Arizona's 22-game home winning streak. So, the Wildcats will be looking fo revenge, as well as trying to climb to the top of the polls.

Arizona was to return that game in 2012, but that was pushed back a year since they each were entered in the Diamond Head Classic. As luck would h ave it, they get to play each other anyways.

San Diego State's three-guard lineup with Jamall Franklin, Xavier Thames and Chase Tapley has worked very well for the Aztecs this year. These three have averaged double figures this season, and this smaller lineup will provide trouble for Arizona. However, Arizona may counter that with their taller lineup at times to get the rebounding edge, the Wildcats have outrebounded their opponents in nine of their last 10 games.

One key area where Arizona has struggled recently has been turning the ball over. The Wildcats have coughed up the ball 34 times over the last two games alone. If Arizona has those same mistakes against a much better San Diego State team, then the Aztecs could pull off the upset.

Arizona guard Kevin Parrom is getting his third crack of trying to beat San Diego State, and he is really motived to try to do so:

"I know every time we've played them, we've lost since I've been here," said Parrom, a senior guard from the Bronx, New York. "So Christmas is going to be a nice little present. I really want that one ... That's what everybody came for: San Diego State against Arizona. That's what everybody's been waiting for."

Arizona has a balanced team with five players who score at least eight points per game, Parrom averages 8.2 per game, with Mark Lyons leading the way with 13.8 points. San Diego State will need to focus on Lyons, but they need to careful of the entire Arizona team since there is no one particular superstar on their roster.