San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913

The Daily Aztec

San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913

The Daily Aztec




San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913

The Daily Aztec

Men’s basketball blows by San José State in 84-56 victory

Senior+guard+Jeremy+Hemsley+drives+past+the+defense+during+the+Aztecs+84-56+victory+over+SJSU+on+March+2+at+Viejas+Arena.
Kareem Jones
Senior guard Jeremy Hemsley drives past the defense during the Aztecs’ 84-56 victory over SJSU on March 2 at Viejas Arena.

Not a lot went wrong for San Diego State men’s basketball on Saturday night against San Jose State.

Jeremy Hemsley’s nine-game streak of recording at least one block ended.

“I think they knew,” Hemsley said. “(I’m) sad to see it come to an end.”

That might have been the worst thing.

SDSU led the entire way during an 84-56 victory over the Spartans on Saturday night at Viejas Arena.

The victory helped keep the Aztecs (19-10, 11-5 MW) in the running for a top-3 seed in the Mountain West Conference tournament, while SJSU (4-24, 1-15 MW) remains in the conference cellar.

Head coach Brian Dutcher said he wanted the Aztecs to treat the Spartans like a tougher opponent than their record may indicate.

“I wanted them to treat San José like the Golden State Warriors,” he said. “I wanted us to play super hard. Put everything into this game. I didn’t want to take an opponent lightly.”

Hemsley did not appear to take SJSU lightly, while leading the team with 15 points and six assists, and he said the team was patient on offense.

“We did a good job at not forcing things and just playing to our advantage,” Hemsley said.

Freshman guard Nathan Mensah finished with his second double-double of the season (13 points, 11 rebounds) to join Hemsley in double figures.

Mensah said the friendly confines of Viejas Arena helped him out.

“I felt great. We have been on the road for so long, and I’ve been struggling on the road. We played a home game, and it boosted my confidence,” Mensah said.

Sophomore forward Jalen McDaniels (13 points), senior guard Devin Watson (12 points) and sophomore guard Jordan Schakel (12 points) joined Hemsley and Mensah in double figures.

Schakel made four 3-pointers, his third consecutive game with at least three, to contribute to a season-high 14 threes for the Aztecs.

Dutcher said Schakel is shooting lights out since coming back from an ankle injury which sidelined him for three games in February.

“I don’t know how we won all those games without him,” Dutcher said. “He’s shooting the ball like crazy, so it’s good having him back.”

The Aztecs host third-place Fresno State on March 6.

About the Contributors
Aaron Tolentino, Sports Editor
Aaron is in his second and final year at SDSU. He is a junior college transfer from the Bay Area. From his previous experience covering junior college football, he has transitioned to the Aztec football beat where he is well plugged into the program – often breaking news first about the team. He has visited different road football stadiums, such as Stanford, Fresno State, San José State and UCLA at the Rose Bowl. Some of his highlights working at The Daily Aztec include covering the Mountain West Championship game in Las Vegas, casually sitting behind the legendary broadcaster Kevin Harlan (no big deal). Follow Aaron on Twitter @atolent2 to get the latest scoop on SDSU sports and one day see him break the news from that same account.
Kareem Jones, Staff Photographer
Kareem is in his fourth year at San Diego State University where he studies Journalism with an emphasis in Media Studies. He is a sports staff writer and photographer for The Daily Aztec and has experience covering a variety of sports such as football, men and women’s basketball, baseball, softball, and women’s lacrosse. He is also a contributor for fi360news.com. As a photographer, Kareem enjoys telling stories through his images, painting the perfect picture for his audience. He loves sports and has aspirations on working for ESPN in the future. Follow Kareem on Twitter @noblee_k, Instagram @noblee.k and/or his photography Instagram page @flicksbyreem to stay tuned on his future endeavors.
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San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913
Men’s basketball blows by San José State in 84-56 victory