Ysa Garcia - The Sporting Tribune
SDSU Guard Nick Boyd (2) making his way to the basket during a non-conference basketball game against UCSD, Wednesday November 6, 2024 in San Diego, Ca
FINAL: San Diego State 100, Occidental 49
SAN DIEGO — It's only the second game of the season for the San Diego State, but with a match up against No. 4 Gonzaga looming, Tuesday night's game at 7 p.m. against the DIII Occidental Tigers represents the final opportunity to prepare before the teeth of the Aztecs' non-conference schedule.
SDSU (1-0) survived a game effort from UC San Diego in their season opener, led by guard Miles Byrd scoring a career-high 20 points. However, the injury bug that has been hovering around The Mesa got the sophomore from Stockton on Monday, as it was reported that he rolled his ankle during practice — Byrd was not dressed to play and did not take part in pregame shoot around.
Guards BJ Davis and Nick Boyd also put up 11 points for the Aztecs, while forward Jared Coleman-Jones was the preferred post player down the stretch and led the team with nine rebounds while being the only forward with a positive point differential while on the court.
Occidental, out of the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, opened their season with a win 78-66 over Stanton University on Nov. 9. First year guard Luna Nasir led the team with 19 points, while sophomore guard Micah Breaux scored 18 points in 17 minutes. The Tigers opened a 10-point lead at halftime and led by as much as 26 in the second half.
Catch up on coverage leading into Tuesday: