Aztecs are ready for conference play after convincing win over Lamer

SAN DIEGO -- Mountain West conference play is around the corner, and that means that Viejas Arena is becoming louder and louder.

The San Diego State Aztecs were able to put together a convincing win over the Lamar Cardinals 89-71. The win gave the Aztecs their second win a row improving to 5-3.

Aztecs head coach Brian Dutcher has a lot of belief that his group is ready for conference play, where there are going to be a lot of good teams to challenge them.

"The Mountain West is a good conference. The loss to Troy was our setback which is hard for us to accept other than that we've played pretty good basketball for the most part."

Myles Bird comes back with a vengeance. 

It is no secret that when Miles Byrd is at his best, the Aztecs raise their ceiling on both ends of the court. Last week versus Utah Valley, Byrd was coming off illness with food poisoning.

He made sure to pay back the favor for his teammates by having a bounce back game versus the Cardinals, finishing the game with a team high 19 points (6 of 10 from the field), five rebounds and four assists. He also made his presence known on the defensive side by pressuring the ball while denying the passing lanes. He would add two steals and two blocks to the stat sheet as well.

“I feel like I’m getting back into season form, a lot more confident, a lot more smiles out there just trying to make sure my guys feel the same way.” Byrd said after his performance.

Everyone can see the talent and upside when it comes to Byrd, but in order for the Aztecs to accomplish their main goal, which is a Mountain West Championship, they are going to continue to need direction from their junior guard. 

“I think I’m a natural born leader. The conception that I’m not a good leader, not sure where that comes from. I can encourage guys when they aren’t feeling it, and even when I’m not playing well.” Bird reemphasized.

How good is BJ Davis?

On any winning team, there is always that one person that seems to always just be there at the right place and the right time. His impact is felt more than just the stat sheet — when he is on the court, he elevates his teammates while creating worry on the other team. The Aztecs junior guard BJ Davis Jr had another solid performance doing all of that and more.

In 22 minutes of play, he finished with 16 points (5 of 8 from the field), 5 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 blocks. It is becoming apparent week by week that Davis' role coming off the bench is vital to the team, but his ability ascends, which is good news for the Aztecs. Byrd was extremely appreciative of what Davis can bring to the table.

“I mean you got a dude coming off the bench who can start on any team in the country in my opinion so that's very impressive. I'm happy he's able to come in and provide that spark off the bench.” Byrd said post game.

He is right.

This is a player that may be coming off the bench, but more than be able to finish games because of all the small things he can do. That is a great problem to have for coach Dutcher, who spoke on what it is like to have a balanced team both offensively and defensively.

“It’s fun when they get going. We get rolling offensively, it’s fun, we play the right way, we share the ball, it was a fun offensive performance,” Dutcher said.

The Aztecs had 51 points at halftime, and finished with 89 points all together while having 11 players score at least once.

Is this the start of something new for Aztecs basketball?