San Diego State forward Jaedon LeDee, left, knocks the ball away from Stanford forward Maxime Raynaud (42) during the first half at Maples Pavilion Tue Nov 15, 2022 (AP News photo)

By Michael Roberson

STANFORD–The Stanford Cardinal (1-2) were under attack the entire 40 minutes by the visiting #19 San Diego State Aztecs (3-0) and captured Maples Pavilion, 74-62.

“We knew coming in it would be a battle,” said Stanford Head Coach Jerod Haase. “We would have to play our A-Game to be able to get there. I don’t think we played our A-Game, but I also think they deserve a lot of credit for playing really well.”

The Aztecs didint care that the Cardinal was just returning from the Midwest tangling with a team from the Power 5 Big Ten.

Stanford never led in the first half, and trailed by as much as 17 points during the initial 30 minutes of play. 41-30 SDSU.

The Aztecs converted six threes, contributing to their double-digit advantage over the Cardinal.

The home team managed to get their deficit to single-digits (6) a few times in the second stanza, but the Aztecs were on the defensive to be victorious.

San Diego State pushed the lead to 12 points by the sound of the final buzzer. 74-62 SDSU.

The Cardinal was led by senior forward Spencer Jones with 15 points, six rebounds and three blocks, while sophomore teammate Harrison Ingram also chipped in 11 points and four rebounds.

Spencer expressed his feelings on his all around game, “I’ve always felt my defense has been getting better and better every year; this year is no different. I try to lead my team defensively and offensively. I give my best effort on each end. I’ll do whatever I can to make this team win.”

The Aztecs had three players in double figures: Senior forward Jaedon LeDee dropped 14 points and four rebounds; junior guard Lamont Butler committed 11 points and six assists; Oakland native and San Leandro High star, Keshad Johnson put 11 points on the scoreboard.

Stanford will next be in action Friday, November 18, hosting Cal Poly, while San Diego State heads back down south to host Ohio State, Monday, November 21.