After another missed free-throw attempt by the Aztecs, SDSU tried and tried and tried and tried some more to tip the ball back in. But it was to no avail and the Gaels escaped the Honda Center with a 67-64 victory.
Be sure to browse GoAztecs.com for recap, stats, notes and quotes from today's thrilling finish.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Let's Go Azteeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeecs!
Not to be biased, but we at the Courtside Crew are rooting for the Aztecs down the stretch.
Things Not Looking Good for SDSU
After SDSU failed to score, the Gaels used the whole shot clock before hitting an acrobatic jumper to put them up five with 22 seconds. All the missed free-throws by the Aztecs may come back to hurt them.
SDSU Down Three With 1:11 Remaining
Saint Mary's holds a three-point edge at 65-62 with 1:11 remaining in the second half. SDSU will have the ball at the far end of the court.
Shelton Misses, but...
Kyle Spain grabs the offensive board and lays it in to give SDSU the 62-61 lead. Things are getting tight.
Shelton Keeping SDSU Close
Redshirt freshman Tim Shelton just made an acrobatic lay-up AND got fouled to bring SDSU within one point at 61-60. With 2:29 left heading into the media timeout, this free-throw is critical.
What's a Gael?
What's a Gael you ask? No? Well we at the Courtside Crew will tell you anyway, just in case the question gets brought up at your next visit to the local pub.
According to the College's official website, Gaels are an ethno-linguistic group which spread from Ireland to Scotland and the Isle of Man. Their language is of the Gaelic (Goidelic) family, a division of Insular Celtic languages. The word in English was adopted in 1810 from Scottish Gaelic Gaidheal (compare Irish Gaedhealg and Old Irish Goídeleg) to designate a Highlander (OED). Gael or Goídeleg was first used as a collective term to describe people from Ireland; it is thought to have come from Welsh Gwyddel (Old Welsh Goídel), originally "raider", now "Irish person". Many people who do not speak Gaelic consider themselves to be 'Gaels' in a broader sense because of their ancestry and heritage.
What does the SMC Gael logo mean?
* The SMC logo derived from the name Gaels is designed in part from the art form most notably, knot work design from the genre of Gaelic and Celtic times. The overlapping of letterforms creates a monogram that symbolizes unity, unity of school, and team. The shield is an element of protection and is one of the symbols of Gaelic warfare.
What does the Celtic knot represent?
* Family, Unity, and Brotherhood
What does the shield represent?
* Strength, Pride, and Celtic Warrior
What does the G stand for?
* Gaels
If we were a betting crew, we would still take an Aztec over a Gael any time.
According to the College's official website, Gaels are an ethno-linguistic group which spread from Ireland to Scotland and the Isle of Man. Their language is of the Gaelic (Goidelic) family, a division of Insular Celtic languages. The word in English was adopted in 1810 from Scottish Gaelic Gaidheal (compare Irish Gaedhealg and Old Irish Goídeleg) to designate a Highlander (OED). Gael or Goídeleg was first used as a collective term to describe people from Ireland; it is thought to have come from Welsh Gwyddel (Old Welsh Goídel), originally "raider", now "Irish person". Many people who do not speak Gaelic consider themselves to be 'Gaels' in a broader sense because of their ancestry and heritage.
What does the SMC Gael logo mean?
* The SMC logo derived from the name Gaels is designed in part from the art form most notably, knot work design from the genre of Gaelic and Celtic times. The overlapping of letterforms creates a monogram that symbolizes unity, unity of school, and team. The shield is an element of protection and is one of the symbols of Gaelic warfare.
What does the Celtic knot represent?
* Family, Unity, and Brotherhood
What does the shield represent?
* Strength, Pride, and Celtic Warrior
What does the G stand for?
* Gaels
If we were a betting crew, we would still take an Aztec over a Gael any time.
Former Aztecs in Attendance
Four former Aztecs are in attendance for today's game. The four, sitting behind SDSU's bench, include Trimaine (pronounced Trah-main, not Try-main) Davis, Chris Walton, Chris Lamb and Anaheim's own Ben Wardrop.
SDSU Making a Game of it...
The Aztecs are battling, there's no doubt about that. After being down by as many as 12 points in the first half, SDSU took a one-point lead early in the second half. Currently San Diego State is down nine, however, after a quick scoring streak by the Gaels.
'A' for Effort
While senior Ryan Amoroso (1-for-8) continues to struggle from the field, one can't but love his effort. Amoroso continues to pound down low and play tough defense. Hopefully his effort will rub off on the rest of the Aztecs.
Fisher at the Half
SDSU head coach Steve Fisher was proud of the way his team fought back toward the end of the first half. He wants the Aztecs to continue to double the post down low and to keep attacking the basket.
First Half Breakdown
The story of the first half has to be the shooting woes of the Aztecs compared to the sniper accuracy of the Gaels. SDSU is shooting just 41.4 percent (12-for-29) from the field, while Saint Mary's is at 53.6 percent (15-for-28). In addition, San Diego State has made just 4-of-9 (.444) free-throw attempts, while the Gaels have connected on all four of its freebies.
Another major discrepiency in the first half is rebounding. Saint Mary's is outrebounding SDSU, 21-11.
The Aztecs are taking care of the ball, however, with just two turnovers through 20 minutes.
Saint Mary's 37, San Diego State 31
First Half Leaders
Points
SMC: Omar Samhan - 11
SDSU: Kyle Spain - 6
Rebounds
SMC: Diamon Simpson - 7
SDSU: Tim Shelton - 3
Assists
SMC: Carlin Hughes - 4
SDSU: Matt Thomas, Richie Williams - 1
Another major discrepiency in the first half is rebounding. Saint Mary's is outrebounding SDSU, 21-11.
The Aztecs are taking care of the ball, however, with just two turnovers through 20 minutes.
Saint Mary's 37, San Diego State 31
First Half Leaders
Points
SMC: Omar Samhan - 11
SDSU: Kyle Spain - 6
Rebounds
SMC: Diamon Simpson - 7
SDSU: Tim Shelton - 3
Assists
SMC: Carlin Hughes - 4
SDSU: Matt Thomas, Richie Williams - 1
Halftime: Saint Mary's 37, SDSU 31
The Aztecs made a nice run to close out the half and now trail just six at 37-31. Hopefully SDSU can carry its momentum into the second half.
The Courtside Crew is now going to grab a quick bite to eat. As the Crew goes to eat, the Huntington Beach Seahawks are ballin' on the floor. Looks like it is now time for Time Warner shootout trivia contest.
We have a question for everyone. Why is it so hard for people to not put on their blinker when they are changing lanes in a car?
The Courtside Crew is now going to grab a quick bite to eat. As the Crew goes to eat, the Huntington Beach Seahawks are ballin' on the floor. Looks like it is now time for Time Warner shootout trivia contest.
We have a question for everyone. Why is it so hard for people to not put on their blinker when they are changing lanes in a car?
Honda Center
Home of the NHL's Anaheim Ducks, the Honda Center typically hosts hockey games and occasionally concerts. Because of the hockey atmosphere and "not a bad seat in the house" attitude, it is a perfect place for a basketball game. There seems to be a NCAA feel in the arena right now.
Aztecs Unlucky
San Diego State seems to be dealing with a case of bad luck right now. The Aztecs are missing many easy chances while their other attempts are rimming in and out. Meanwhile, the Gaels are making many of their shots and when they do miss, another body is there to grab the rebound for an easy putback.
Fisher Animated
Aztec head coach Steve Fisher is animated on the sidelines. On a recent steal by Richie Williams and subsequent breakaway lay-up, Fisher leaned to his right and kicked his left leg in the air to help the ball drop in.
Aztecs' Home Game???
Although the Honda Center in Anaheim is 1 hour, 32 minutes away (from Pacific Beach according to www.mapquest.com), there are a lot more SDSU supporters (get it?) than Saint Mary's fans. The Aztecs have received the loudest applause by far.
There are numerous members of the Aztec athletic department here as well, including senior associate athletic director/COO Don Oberhelman. Other SDSU employees in attendance include Tim Baron, Chris Carlson, Jay Larson, Dave Noll, Fatema Arefi and Meghan Cowan.
There are numerous members of the Aztec athletic department here as well, including senior associate athletic director/COO Don Oberhelman. Other SDSU employees in attendance include Tim Baron, Chris Carlson, Jay Larson, Dave Noll, Fatema Arefi and Meghan Cowan.
And we are Underway...
Saint Mary's won the tip and we are underway in the first game of the 15th annual John Wooden Classic.
The Aztecs are donning the white uni's, while the Gaels are wearing blue.
The Aztecs are donning the white uni's, while the Gaels are wearing blue.
The Show Raids the Honda Center
Through rain, through sleet, through wind, through snow, apparently nothing stops The Show.
The Show is here in (almost) full gear. There is no banana, but the rest is here in all of their outfits.
The Show is here in (almost) full gear. There is no banana, but the rest is here in all of their outfits.
Fisher Prayer
Aztec head coach Steve Fisher addressed the team in the locker room before they came out onto the floor. He asked the team to say a prayer for John Wooden and his family. He also asked the team to play hard and play together, like Wooden's teams would have. Wooden is in the building but it is unknown if he is out on the court yet.
Wooden Notes - The Legend
Arguably the best coach in the history of collegiate basketball, John Wooden needs no introduction. However, we on the Courtside Crew are going to do so anyway. Some of his accomplishments are below:
* 10 NCAA championships, including seven straight from 1967-73
* Most appearances in the final four (16), most consecutive final four appearances (9), and most final four victories (21)
* 88 consecutive victories over a three-year span from 1971-73
* 38 straight NCAA tournament victories from 1964-74
* Eight perfect Pac 8 (now Pac-10) regular seasons
* 10 NCAA championships, including seven straight from 1967-73
* Most appearances in the final four (16), most consecutive final four appearances (9), and most final four victories (21)
* 88 consecutive victories over a three-year span from 1971-73
* 38 straight NCAA tournament victories from 1964-74
* Eight perfect Pac 8 (now Pac-10) regular seasons
Same Five Starters for the Aztecs
The Aztecs will go with their usual five to start the game.
F - Billy White, So., - 9.0 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 0.7 apg
F - Kyle Spain, Sr., - 16.6 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 1.1 apg
F - Ryan Amoroso, Sr., - 7.0 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 0.9 apg
G - D.J. Gay, So., - 7.9 ppg, 1.4 rpg, 2.4 apg
G - Richie Williams, Sr., - 6.3 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 3.6 apg
F - Billy White, So., - 9.0 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 0.7 apg
F - Kyle Spain, Sr., - 16.6 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 1.1 apg
F - Ryan Amoroso, Sr., - 7.0 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 0.9 apg
G - D.J. Gay, So., - 7.9 ppg, 1.4 rpg, 2.4 apg
G - Richie Williams, Sr., - 6.3 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 3.6 apg
Wooden Classic Notes
The John Wooden Classic has seen many memorable teams and players come through in its 14 years.
The Classic has welcomed six national champions - UCLA (1995), Kentucky (1996, '98), Arizona (1997), Duke (2001) and Maryland (2002). Four national players of the year have also participated in the JWC, including UCLA's Ed O'Bannon (1995), Massachusetts' Marcus Camby (1996) and Duke's Shane Battier (2001) and Jason Williams (2002). In addition, 32 All-Americans have appeared at the Classic. Some of the notables include current NBA players Battier, Mike Bibby, Camby, Jarron Collins, Baron Davis, Mike Dunleavy, Raef LaFrentz, Kevin Love, Mark Madsen, Brandon Roy, Jason Terry, Kenny Thomas, Antoine Walker and Luke Walton.
The Classic has welcomed six national champions - UCLA (1995), Kentucky (1996, '98), Arizona (1997), Duke (2001) and Maryland (2002). Four national players of the year have also participated in the JWC, including UCLA's Ed O'Bannon (1995), Massachusetts' Marcus Camby (1996) and Duke's Shane Battier (2001) and Jason Williams (2002). In addition, 32 All-Americans have appeared at the Classic. Some of the notables include current NBA players Battier, Mike Bibby, Camby, Jarron Collins, Baron Davis, Mike Dunleavy, Raef LaFrentz, Kevin Love, Mark Madsen, Brandon Roy, Jason Terry, Kenny Thomas, Antoine Walker and Luke Walton.
Media Dining
It looks as if the Honda Center and the people of the John Wooden Classic really know how to take care of the media. Next to countless releases, game notes and statistics is a first class meal.
There is salad, baked ziti, meat lasagna, bread, rolls and three kinds of cookies (chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin and macadamia nut).
When asked about the selection, AM 600 KOGO's Ted Leitner answered, "Not bad, not bad."
There is salad, baked ziti, meat lasagna, bread, rolls and three kinds of cookies (chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin and macadamia nut).
When asked about the selection, AM 600 KOGO's Ted Leitner answered, "Not bad, not bad."
Who Needs Dress Socks?
The word from the Aztec bench is that two out of the three managers forgot to bring dress socks. Apparently Mike Bynum and Ben Kneller assumed they were already in the bag from their last trip to Arizona. That's why you never assume my friends.
Luckily, SDSU assistant media relations director Darin Wong came through for Kneller and lent him a pair. Bynum is sticking with the white ankle socks.
Luckily, SDSU assistant media relations director Darin Wong came through for Kneller and lent him a pair. Bynum is sticking with the white ankle socks.
Both Teams Going Through Warm-up Drills
Both teams are now on the court. The Gaels are shooting on the west side, while the Aztecs are warming up on the east side of the court.
SDSU assistant head coach Brian Dutcher and Saint Mary's head coach Randy Bennett are exchanging pleasantries on the sidelines.
SDSU assistant head coach Brian Dutcher and Saint Mary's head coach Randy Bennett are exchanging pleasantries on the sidelines.
Teddy Ballgame in the House
Ted Leitner has arrived and was overheard humming a tune in the hallway. While the others used the elevator to get to the bottom floor, Teddy Ballgame took the stairs.
You can listen to Ted Leitner and today's game on href="http://www.kogo.com/cc-common/ondemand/player.html?world=st">AM 600 KOGO.
You can listen to Ted Leitner and today's game on href="http://www.kogo.com/cc-common/ondemand/player.html?world=st">AM 600 KOGO.
SEC Officials for Today's Game
Word is that today's officials will be from the Southeastern Conference. We'll try to get you their names shortly.
Williams First One Out on the Floor
Richie Williams, usually the first to arrive on the court and the last two leave, is once again out first today. He is currently shooting jumpers on the West end of the court, while assistant coaches Justin Hutson and Mark Fisher are retrieving balls.
Williams comes into today's matchup averaging 6.3 points per game. The senior also leads the team in assists (32) and steals (16).
Williams comes into today's matchup averaging 6.3 points per game. The senior also leads the team in assists (32) and steals (16).
The Team Has Arrived
Word is the team has arrived to the Honda Center, some one hour, 30 minutes before gametime.
Blue 8, Gold 4
The scoreboard here at the Honda Center reads Blue 8, Gold 4, with just over 24 minutes remaining. What that means is currently unclear. However, each team does have five timeouts left.
Crews continue to make gameday preparations around the Honda Center. Honda Center employees Chris, Steve and Jake are making some last-minute changes to the two press tables on the west end of the court.
We'll have more updates throughout the day. If you have any questions, e-mail the Go Aztecs Blog Courtside Crew at goaztecsblog@gmail.com.
Crews continue to make gameday preparations around the Honda Center. Honda Center employees Chris, Steve and Jake are making some last-minute changes to the two press tables on the west end of the court.
We'll have more updates throughout the day. If you have any questions, e-mail the Go Aztecs Blog Courtside Crew at goaztecsblog@gmail.com.
Friday, December 12, 2008
San Diego State Faces Third '08 NCAA Tournament Opponent in Eight Days; Aztecs Play Saint Mary's in Wooden Classic
San Diego State (7-2) concludes a seven-game stretch that features just one home game and ends with three consecutive games against 2008 NCAA Tournament participants on Saturday afternoon against Saint Mary's (6-1) in the John Wooden Classic in Anaheim, Calif. Tipoff is set for 1:30 p.m. PT. This is the second consecutive year the teams have met in this event and the third straight season the teams have played overall.
HDNet is televising the game nationally on DirecTV (channel 306) and DISH Network (channel 362). The game will also be shown in the San Diego market on Channel 4 San Diego. Read more>>
HDNet is televising the game nationally on DirecTV (channel 306) and DISH Network (channel 362). The game will also be shown in the San Diego market on Channel 4 San Diego. Read more>>
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