By Michael KlitzingSports Editor
You might not think an exhibition would have any significance tolose, but the San Diego State men’s basketball team’s final tune-upof the year actually proved to be a bit of an anticlimax.
Thursday’s contest with the Branch West Basketball Academyoriginally looked like it might have a compelling story line. Thegame was supposed to feature a matchup between last year’s Aztecpoint guard, Branch West’s Deandre Moore, and SDSU’s new courtgeneral, Wesley Stokes. Turns out, neither would suit up.
Instead, all that ensued was a snore-inducing 86-76 Aztec win infront of 2,692 at Cox Arena.
Moore, still recovering from a concussion, was not even in thebuilding. Stokes, along with senior forward Aerick Sanders, were latescratches as head coach Steve Fisher suspended both for the game foran unspecified violation of team rules.
“It’s over, but I’m immensely disappointed that we had to have afour-year guy like Aerick that has to be in street clothes – and thesame thing with Wesley,” Fisher said. “Hopefully, we’ll all advancefrom this.”
Fisher would not comment on the duo’s transgression, but both willbe reinstated in time for Friday’s season-opener against Long BeachState.
Still, the vestiges of intrigue were present at times. While Moorewas absent, former Aztec guard Brandon Smith (2001-02), playedsignificant minutes for Branch West, earning affectionate applausefrom the scattered spectators. Now sporting dreadlocks as opposed tothe old familiar bald look, he scored four points in 25 minutes.
“I think it was difficult for Deandre not to come back here, butit didn’t really make a difference because ‘Smooth’ was out here,”said Johnson, referring to Smith.
Johnson, himself, was a reason to watch. With SDSU’s top twoguards out of action – Stokes under suspension and Travis Hanourstill nursing a nagging back injury – the Aztecs’ backcourt backupscame on strong.
Johnson excelled on the offensive end, shooting 6-of-7 from thefield for 15 points. His defense, however, seemed a bit lax late inthe game – something that caught his coach’s eye.
“I told Tommy when he came out that that was about as good as he’sbeen with his decision-making on the offensive end,” Fisher said. “Hewas able to sweep it and drive and make the long one. I also told himwhen he came out that he quit defending. He gave his guythree-straight baskets.”
Freshman guard Brandon Heath showed his ability to drive to thebasket and finish, shooting 7-of-12 for 20 points. Forward TrimaineDavis also sparkled in relief of Sanders, scoring 12 points.