Frontcourt:
Aztecs:
Starting sophomore forward Erimma Amarikwa has done an exceptional job for the Aztecs this season leading their frontcourt with 9.1 points per game, in addition to grabbing 6.1 rebounds. Senior center Malia Nahinu brings a 6-foot-6 frame to the starting frontcourt, averaging 8 points, 5 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game, all while shooting more than 50 percent from the field this season. Senior forward Gabrielle Clark has also been solid for the Aztecs this season, averaging 5.1 points per game and 3 rebounds, while leading the team in free throw shooting percentage at 89.5 percent.
Falcons:
Senior forward Dymond James leads the frontcourt for the Falcons averaging 8.9 points and 7.2 rebounds per game while playing a team high 29.4 minutes per game. However, James has struggled this season, shooting just 30.7 percent from the field, a team low for the Falcons starters. Standing at 5-foot-10, it may be difficult for James to contain the 6-foot frontcourt of the Aztecs.
Edge: Aztecs
Backcourt:
Aztecs:
Senior guards Courtney Clements and Chelsea Hopkins continue to be a dynamic force together for the Aztecs. While Clements leads the team in scoring at 17.2 points per game, Hopkins is right behind, averaging 13.6 points per game, while leading the team with 7.5 rebounds per game. Hopkins is also currently the conference league leader with 7.4 assists per game. So far this season, she’s had three triple-doubles, two of them coming in conference play.
Falcons:
The Falcons senior guard Alicia Leipprandt leads her team in scoring at 11.7 points per game, but failed to score in double figures against Wyoming, which the Falcons lost by 38 points. Her season average of points and rebounds per game are down from last year, as she is struggling shooting a career low of 69.6 percent from the free throw line. In the backcourt of the Falcons, Clements and Hopkins both outscore and rebound Leipprandt.
Edge: Aztecs
Coaching:
Aztecs:
Head coach Beth Burns has San Diego State rolling in conference play after losing its first conference game to Fresno State. Since then, the Aztecs have won five straight games, most recently coming off a 24-point win at New Mexico last weekend. Coming off a 12-2 conference record last season, Burns has the Aztecs in first place after six games in conference play.
Falcons:
Head coach Andrea Williams is entering her third season as the Falcons’ head coach. The Air Force last beat SDSU on Jan. 19, 2011 upon her arrival to the Air Force Academy in the summer of 2010. Williams has won a total of six conference games so far within her coaching career at Air Force and has lost a total of 29 in conference play.
Edge: Aztecs
Intangibles:
Aztecs:
The Aztecs are on a five-game winning streak and they’re currently in first place, leading the conference with a 5-1 record. They have won nine home games this season, while the Falcons are winless on the road, losing eight away games thus far.
Falcons:
The Falcons are 2-16 overall this season, 1-4 in conference play. As the Falcons continue to have a struggling season, it’s difficult to see them coming out with a win at Viejas Arena.
Edge: Aztecs
Prediction:
SDSU: 72 Air Force: 49
