Field Level Media
Jan 15, 2020
Malachi Flynn scored 22 points, and No. 7-ranked San Diego State pulled within two wins of matching the best start in program history with a 64-55 defeat of host Fresno State on Tuesday.
Flynn's steal and fast-break lay-in with just over four minutes remaining capped a seven-point run in just over a minute. That spell ended Fresno State's second-half rally effort, giving the Aztecs a double-digit-point cushion down the stretch.
San Diego State (18-0, 7-0 Mountain West Conference) remained one of only two undefeated teams in the nation, along with 2019 national semifinalist Auburn. The Aztecs are chasing the 2010-11 team, which began its season 20-0.
Fresno State (5-12, 1-5) made San Diego State work for the win, using a stingy defensive effort to remain within striking distance for much of the night.
San Diego State shot just 3-of-18 from behind the 3-point line on the night, and 2-of-12 in the first half. The Aztecs mustered just 26 points by halftime, when they led by five points.
Fresno State's offense was even less effective against San Diego State's tenacious defense, however, shooting 8-of-28 from the floor in the first half and 20-of-55 for the night.
Orlando Robinson led Fresno State with 18 points. New Williams added 15 points, and Jordan Campbell followed with 11. No other Fresno State player scored more than four.
San Diego State's scoring distribution was not much more balanced. Yanni Wetzell followed Flynn with 17 points, Matt Mitchell added 10 points and KJ Feagin tallied seven.
Mitchell grabbed a game-high eight rebounds before fouling out.
San Diego State completed the season sweep of Fresno State, and its 18-game win streak is the nation's longest current run.
--Field Level Media