Mountain West Connection - San Diego State falls to Syracuse in season openerAll you need to know about the Mountain West, and then somehttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50409/mwc-fav.png2012-11-11T17:05:14-08:00http://www.mwcconnection.com/rss/stream/32240172012-11-11T17:05:14-08:002012-11-11T17:05:14-08:00Photos of USS Midway game between SDSU, Syracuse
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/fXwXXdpiMoiQ2NlAaOwyGPz1Suo=/0x169:4000x2836/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/3092713/156062228.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Harry How</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Here are some photos of <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/mountain-west-basketball/2012/10/5/3459976/battle-of-midway-san-diego-state-syracuse">San Diego State's loss against Syracuse on the USS Midway.</a></p>
https://www.mwcconnection.com/2012/11/11/3633172/photos-san-diego-state-vs-syracuse-on-uss-midwayJeremy Mauss2012-11-11T16:43:36-08:002012-11-11T16:43:36-08:00Syracuse was too much for San Diego State
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Qw2IDDAXx7aueN8Wq589le-Hojs=/0x35:4000x2702/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/3091559/156051511.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Harry How</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Syracuse was miles ahead of San Diego St. on the deck of the USS Midway, where they cruised past the Aztecs 62-49.</p> <p>The "Battle on the Midway" was the one game that took place on an aircraft carrier that did not get rained out, and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/san-diego-st-aztecs">San Diego St. Aztecs</a> probably wish it had. The No. 9 ranked <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/syracuse-orange">Syracuse Orange</a> were just too much for the 20th ranked Aztecs, and easily won 62-49.</p>
<p>The first half struggles were somewhat being blamed on San Diego State shooting into the wind and sun, but that was just an excuse. The Aztecs could not hit easy baskets under the hoop, and turned the ball over 12 times in the first half alone.</p>
<p>San Diego State could not get anything going offensively, and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/124249/jamaal-franklin">Jamaal Franklin</a> was held in check with just 11 points on 3 of 12 shooting, and that included missing all six of his three-point attempts. The offense as a whole was just awful, they shot 27 percent from the field, 1 of 18 from beyond the arc and made just 14 of 33 free throws.</p>
<p>It is easy to say that had San Diego State just made their shots they would have been in the game, but that is very true. Their offense could not crack the matchup zone, and when they did get the ball under the hoop, the lengthy, and athletic Syracuse defenders just swarmed to the ball.</p>
<p>The Aztecs had edges in key categories by out rebound the Orange, 41-40, committing two less turnovers and shooting 33 free throws to just 19 for Syracuse. The big difference came as Syracuse was able to score in the paint, and pretty much at will. That is due to the Aztecs having no true big man, and typically utilizing a three-guard lineup.</p>
<p>In the second half when the Aztecs were attempting make a comeback, the wind picked up again, making three-point shots nearly impossible. With the three-point shots unlikely to fall, that made any sort of comeback pretty much impossible.</p>
<p>This is only the first game of the year, so Aztec fans do not need to panic; the playing conditions were not ideal, and they played a very good opponent. It is a long season, so San Diego State needs to learn from this loss and get ready for their Tuesday game against San Diego Christian.</p>
https://www.mwcconnection.com/2012/11/11/3633076/san-diego-state-vs-syracuse-final-score-aztecsJeremy Mauss2012-11-11T14:19:22-08:002012-11-11T14:19:22-08:00First half stats, Aztecs shooting just 24 percent
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/NwpX-6hkTgw6i6eKvcqOifBZuw0=/0x141:4000x2808/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/3084095/156047081.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Harry How</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Take a look at the first half stats between Syracuse and San Diego State.</p> <p>Sun, wind and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/syracuse-orange">Syracuse Orange</a> zone defense is the reason why the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/san-diego-st-aztecs">San Diego St. Aztecs</a> are shooting under 30 percent from the field, and 5 of 17 from the free throw line. Currently, the Aztecs are trailing <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2012/11/11/3632406/san-diego-state--syracuse/in/3224017">33-19 at the half</a>.</p>
<p>Here are the stats of this game, and their is not one player that really stands out in this game.</p>
<table border="0" width="100%">
<thead>
<tr>
<th colspan="12">Syracuse </th>
</tr>
<tr align="right">
<th><b>STARTERS</b></th> <th width="7%">FGM-A</th> <th width="7%">3PM-A</th> <th width="7%">FTM-A</th> <th width="6%">OFF</th> <th width="6%">REB</th> <th width="6%">AST</th> <th width="6%">STL</th> <th width="6%">BLK</th> <th width="6%">TO</th> <th width="6%">PF</th> <th width="6%">PTS</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr align="right">
<td>
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/124405/c-j-fair">C.J. Fair</a>, F</td>
<td>4-9</td>
<td>1-2</td>
<td>2-2</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td>6</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>11</td>
</tr>
<tr align="right">
<td>
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/146180/michael-carter-williams">Michael Carter-Williams</a>, G</td>
<td>4-9</td>
<td>0-1</td>
<td>1-1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>9</td>
</tr>
<tr align="right">
<td>
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/100046/brandon-triche">Brandon Triche</a>, G</td>
<td>2-4</td>
<td>0-0</td>
<td>0-0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
<tr align="right">
<td>
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/146181/rakeem-christmas">Rakeem Christmas</a>, F</td>
<td>1-3</td>
<td>0-0</td>
<td>1-2</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr align="right">
<td>
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/175127/dajuan-coleman">DaJuan Coleman</a>, F</td>
<td>1-2</td>
<td>0-0</td>
<td>0-0</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
<thead><tr align="right">
<th><b>BENCH</b></th> <th width="7%">FGM-A</th> <th width="7%">3PM-A</th> <th width="7%">FTM-A</th> <th width="6%">OFF</th> <th width="6%">REB</th> <th width="6%">AST</th> <th width="6%">STL</th> <th width="6%">BLK</th> <th width="6%">TO</th> <th width="6%">PF</th> <th width="6%">PTS</th>
</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr align="right">
<td>James Southerland, F</td>
<td>2-5</td>
<td>0-1</td>
<td>0-0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
<tr align="right">
<td>
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/175125/jerami-grant">Jerami Grant</a>, F</td>
<td>0-1</td>
<td>0-0</td>
<td>0-0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>0</td>
</tr>
<tr align="right">
<td>
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/124406/baye-keita">Baye Keita</a>, C</td>
<td>0-0</td>
<td>0-0</td>
<td>0-0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
</tr>
<tr align="right">
<td>
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/146182/trevor-cooney">Trevor Cooney</a>, G</td>
<td>0-0</td>
<td>0-0</td>
<td>0-0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
<thead><tr align="right">
<th>TOTALS</th> <th width="7%">FGM-A</th> <th width="7%">3PM-A</th> <th width="7%">FTM-A</th> <th width="6%">OFF</th> <th width="6%">REB</th> <th width="6%">AST</th> <th width="6%">STL</th> <th width="6%">BLK</th> <th width="6%">TO</th> <th width="6%">PF</th> <th width="6%">PTS</th>
</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr align="right">
<td><br></td>
<td><b>14-33</b></td>
<td><b>1-4</b></td>
<td><b>4-5</b></td>
<td><b>4</b></td>
<td><b>20</b></td>
<td><b>6</b></td>
<td><b>8</b></td>
<td><b>6</b></td>
<td><b>9</b></td>
<td><b>10</b></td>
<td><b>33</b></td>
</tr>
<tr align="right">
<td><br></td>
<td><b>42.4%</b></td>
<td><b>25.0%</b></td>
<td><b>80.0%</b></td>
<td colspan="8"><br></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
<tbody><tr>
<td colspan="12"></td>
</tr></tbody>
<thead>
<tr>
<th colspan="12">San Diego State </th>
</tr>
<tr align="right">
<th><b>STARTERS</b></th> <th width="7%">FGM-A</th> <th width="7%">3PM-A</th> <th width="7%">FTM-A</th> <th width="6%">OFF</th> <th width="6%">REB</th> <th width="6%">AST</th> <th width="6%">STL</th> <th width="6%">BLK</th> <th width="6%">TO</th> <th width="6%">PF</th> <th width="6%">PTS</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr align="right">
<td>
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/100716/chase-tapley">Chase Tapley</a>, G</td>
<td>2-5</td>
<td>0-0</td>
<td>1-1</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>5</td>
</tr>
<tr align="right">
<td>J.J. O'Brien, F</td>
<td>2-6</td>
<td>0-0</td>
<td>1-6</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>5</td>
</tr>
<tr align="right">
<td>
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/100922/xavier-thames">Xavier Thames</a>, G</td>
<td>1-6</td>
<td>0-2</td>
<td>0-0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr align="right">
<td>
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/124249/jamaal-franklin">Jamaal Franklin</a>, G</td>
<td>1-3</td>
<td>0-2</td>
<td>0-4</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>6</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr align="right">
<td>Deshawn Stephens, F</td>
<td>0-1</td>
<td>0-0</td>
<td>1-2</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
<thead><tr align="right">
<th><b>BENCH</b></th> <th width="7%">FGM-A</th> <th width="7%">3PM-A</th> <th width="7%">FTM-A</th> <th width="6%">OFF</th> <th width="6%">REB</th> <th width="6%">AST</th> <th width="6%">STL</th> <th width="6%">BLK</th> <th width="6%">TO</th> <th width="6%">PF</th> <th width="6%">PTS</th>
</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr align="right">
<td>
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/176483/winston-shepard">Winston Shepard</a>, F</td>
<td>0-4</td>
<td>0-0</td>
<td>2-4</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr align="right">
<td>
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/53910/james-rahon">James Rahon</a>, G</td>
<td>1-2</td>
<td>0-0</td>
<td>0-0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr align="right">
<td>
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/150732/narbeh-ebrahimian">Narbeh Ebrahimian</a>, G</td>
<td>0-0</td>
<td>0-0</td>
<td>0-0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
</tr>
<tr align="right">
<td>
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/124374/dwayne-polee-ii">Dwayne Polee II</a>, F</td>
<td>0-2</td>
<td>0-0</td>
<td>0-0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
<thead><tr align="right">
<th>TOTALS</th> <th width="7%">FGM-A</th> <th width="7%">3PM-A</th> <th width="7%">FTM-A</th> <th width="6%">OFF</th> <th width="6%">REB</th> <th width="6%">AST</th> <th width="6%">STL</th> <th width="6%">BLK</th> <th width="6%">TO</th> <th width="6%">PF</th> <th width="6%">PTS</th>
</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr align="right">
<td><br></td>
<td><b>7-29</b></td>
<td><b>0-4</b></td>
<td><b>5-17</b></td>
<td><b>9</b></td>
<td><b>22</b></td>
<td><b>4</b></td>
<td><b>9</b></td>
<td><b>1</b></td>
<td><b>12</b></td>
<td><b>5</b></td>
<td><b>19</b></td>
</tr>
<tr align="right">
<td><br></td>
<td><b>24.1%</b></td>
<td><b>0.0%</b></td>
<td><b>29.4%</b></td>
<td colspan="8"><br></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
<tbody><tr>
<td colspan="12"><br></td>
</tr></tbody>
</table>
https://www.mwcconnection.com/2012/11/11/3632490/san-diego-state-vs-syracuse-first-half-statsJeremy Mauss2012-11-11T14:10:36-08:002012-11-11T14:10:36-08:00SDSU trails Syracuse, 33-19 at the half
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/b0EQNEl6tDCnCy7HXs-9UUX_sdw=/0x24:4000x2691/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/3082849/156041177.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Harry How</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Wind and shooting into the sun has caused the Aztecs to struggle shooting the ball in the first half. </p> <p>The Battle off the USS Midway has the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/syracuse-orange">Syracuse Orange</a> leading the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/san-diego-st-aztecs">San Diego St. Aztecs</a> 33-19, at the half. Weather has been an issue, and is part of the reason to why the Aztecs are trailing at the half</p>
<p>They are shooting into the sun, and the wind has picked up during the first half to be about 15 mph. Couple that with Syracuse's matchup zone defense, and that is why San Diego State is trailing by double-digits. San Diego State is shooting just 24 percent from the field and have made just 5 of 17 from the line.</p>
<p>The Aztecs have had trouble breaking the zone, and even the few times they have they have were able to get the ball from point blank range, the shots were not falling. Syracuse went on an 11-0 run within the first five minutes of the game, and led 17-4 during that stretch.</p>
<p>The closest that San Diego State would get would be nine points, after <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/100716/chase-tapley">Chase Tapley</a> converted a layup and then the following free throw.</p>
<p>The Syracuse defense has been huge as they forced 12 turnovers, have eight steals and six blocks. Those defensive plays led to some easy buckets for the Orange. Syracuse's <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/124405/c-j-fair">C.J. Fair</a> is leading all scorers with 11 points, and is shooting 4 of 9 from the field.<a href="http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/51342/c.j.-fair"> </a></p>
<p>It also does not help San Diego State that <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/124249/jamaal-franklin">Jamaal Franklin</a> has just two points on 1 of 3 shooting, and did not convert his first points until 4:22 left in the game.</p>
<p>San Diego State will need to step up their defense, and with Syracuse now shooting into the wind and the sun, that should help the Aztecs out quite a bit. Their offense needs to continue to break the zone and get the ball down low, and that is something they have been able to do. Now, their offense needs to convert those buckets if they want to comeback and pull off the upset.</p>
https://www.mwcconnection.com/2012/11/11/3632406/san-diego-state--syracuseJeremy Mauss2012-11-11T13:23:57-08:002012-11-11T13:23:57-08:00A look at SDSU's and Syracuse's camo uniforms
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Dir77EdbYt1ABA2huYkMKqHs2aU=/0x40:455x343/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/3080405/a7ubz5jcqaejike_medium.0.jpg" />
</figure>
<p>Here is a look at the camo uniforms that San Diego State will be wearing on Sunday afternoon.</p> <p>Yes, the game has tipped, and I must have missed these as I was occupied with football on Saturday. Nonetheless, for those who don't see the game, or their regional sports network is showing something else, here are the uniforms for both the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/san-diego-st-aztecs">San Diego St. Aztecs</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/syracuse-orange">Syracuse Orange</a>.</p>
<p>First up is Syracuse's <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nunesmagician.com/2012/11/11/3631290/syracuse-vs-san-diego-state-camo-uniforms-camouflage-midway-battle-veterans-day">camo version of their orange unis</a>:</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1295071/A7Xn6DICAAEL4lc_medium.jpg"><img alt="A7xn6dicaael4lc_medium_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1295071/A7Xn6DICAAEL4lc_medium_medium.jpg"></a></p>
<p>Here is the <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/Agustin_ASR/status/267149884648472576/photo/1">complete San Diego State uniform</a>:</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1295101/A7UbZ5jCQAEjIKE.jpg"><img alt="A7ubz5jcqaejike_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1295101/A7UbZ5jCQAEjIKE_medium.jpg"></a></p>
<p>Both uniforms look nice, and are not really all that different from their normal unis. The camo is just the backdrop for a the home white/gray for the Aztecs and the orange for Syracuse. Making the sleeve camo is a nice attention to detail.</p>
https://www.mwcconnection.com/2012/11/11/3632204/photo-san-diego-states-camo-uniformsJeremy Mauss2012-11-11T13:15:02-08:002012-11-11T13:15:02-08:00San Diego State vs. Syracuse gamethread
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/6IhEAJGsoKGCXKGdJdassikaiIw=/0x34:466x345/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/3079593/gyi0063330374.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kent Horner</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>San Diego State is taking on Syracuse on the USS Midway</p> <p>One of the marquee games of the college basketball season is underway as No. 9 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/syracuse-orange">Syracuse Orange</a> are taking on No. 19 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/san-diego-st-aztecs">San Diego St. Aztecs</a> on the USS Midway. Lets hope this game gets to be completed as the other aircraft carrier games were cancelled due to the floors basically being an ice skating rink due to rain and cold.</p>
<p>This game was already moved back a few days due to a rare San Diego rainy day, but the game is going on Sunday afternoon. The weather looks great, and this should be a great game.</p>
<p>This game tips at 4 p.m. ET and is on Fox Sports Net and can be seen on various regional sports networks across the country.</p>
<p>Forget the NFL and come by and chat about the game, as it should be a good one.</p>
https://www.mwcconnection.com/2012/11/11/3632186/san-diego-state-vs-syracuse-gamethreadJeremy Mauss