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Malachi Flynn saved San Diego State’s undefeated record with a game-winning three-point shot against San Jose State. SDSU beat SJSU by a score of 59-57.
The Aztecs (10-0, 2-0 MW) entered this game as a heavy favorite to beat the Spartans and held control of SJSU (3-7, 0-2 MW) until the final few minutes.
The Spartans were able to come back from a 13 point deficit after shooting 50 percent from deep in the second half.
A three-pointer from senior guard Brae Ivey with 1:49 left to play in the fourth and a short jumper by sophomore guard Seneca Knight to follow gave SJSU the lead.
With under a minute left to play the Aztecs undefeated season seemed to be nearing an end.
Fortunately for SDSU, Knight missed at the foul line allowing for junior guard Flynn to drain the winning basket from deep.
Flynn was not the only hero during Sunday night’s matchup.
SDSU had three players score in double figures, while sophomore forward Nathan Mensah posted a double-double and added 4 blocks and 2 steals.
Although this team is still undefeated the Spartans did show the Aztecs that there is still work to do.
The biggest problem for SDSU was guarding the perimeter in the second half.
The Aztecs held the Spartans to only 14 percent in the first half, but SJSU exploded after halftime draining 6 of their 12 shots from deep.
The lack of offense from SDSU almost cost the Aztecs the game as they shot a modest 31 percent from the field.
This game will not be overlooked by SDSU.
The Aztecs finally had a close game that will serve as a great learning experience for the team in their early bid for the NCAA Tournament.
Now that SDSU is off to their best start in nine seasons, the Aztecs should be ranked in the AP Top 25.
The Aztecs next game will be at the Basketball Hall of Fame Classic in Los Angeles. SDSU will take on Utah on Saturday Dec. 21 at 3:30 p.m.