Aztec basketball dreams dashed

Last week was a devastating one for the Aztecs, with neither women’s nor men’s basketball qualifying for March Madness.

On March 8, after receiving a bye into the Mountain West tournament, San Diego State University women’s basketball fell 83-76 to the Air Force Falcons in their first round. A loss all the more shocking considering this team won the conference last year.

When it came time for the men’s Mountain West games, things were looking up for our Aztecs when they beat Colorado State in the quarterfinals and New Mexico in the semifinals. 

However, despite pulling ahead at halftime, SDSU just couldn’t keep up with Utah State in the finals, falling 73-62. 

For the first time since 2019, the Aztecs’ men’s team will be left out of March Madness. With them declining to participate in the National Invitation Tournament, this marks an official end to our basketball season. 

The women, though, accepted an invitation to the NCAA Women’s Basketball Invitation Tournament and host UC Irvine Thursday at the University of San Diego’s Jenny Craig Pavilion.

But it won’t be the end of basketball at Viejas Arena for the year. At least one aspect of the Aztecs is still part of March Madness. SDSU will host the first and second rounds of the tournament this Friday and Sunday, featuring some of the top collegiate teams.

Tickets are on sale to watch the tournament live. You can also stop by and watch the competing teams practice on Thursday for free ahead of the real face-offs.