Author: Sports Radio Service

San Jose Sharks podcast with Len Shapiro: After losing two out of three, Sharks set for Red Wings tonight; Sharks able to contain Ovechkin last Sunday

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Photo credit: @SanJoseSharks

On the Sharks podcast with Len:

1 It’s two out of three for the Sharks as they drop their second on Sunday and their first a 3-2 one goal loss to Columbus on Saturday, March 4th. The Sharks got blanked 2-0 by the Washington Caps on Sunday after defeating the St Louis Blues on Thursday night 2-0.

2 The Caps got goals from Nick Backstrom and Lars Eller, which was enough offense to help them get past the Sharks.

3 The Sharks were able to contain Alex Ovechkin as he went 0-6 on shots on goal.

4 The Detroit Red Wings are in San Jose for a Monday night face off at SAP Center the Red Wings are 26-31-11 fifth in the Atlantic.

5 The Wings bring in goalie Jimmy Howard, who has a 2.82 GA, .911% save percentage. Backup goalie Petr Mrazek leads the team in shutouts with three.

Len has the Sharks podcasts every Monday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

San Francisco Giants Podcast with Morris Phillips: Buster has no problem with his ankle or swinging the bats; Pence gets break out slam; Giant legends pulling for the Baby Bull

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Photo credit: @BarryBonds

On the Giants podcast with Morris:

1 There was some concern that the Giants catcher Buster Posey would have ankle issues. but he answered that over the weekend, getting three hits including two doubles and left little doubt that his ankle and bat are back.

2 Giant outfielder Hunter Pence took a .056 clip into Sunday’s game struggling at the plate he got one that lept over the left centerfield fence for a grand slam. After the game Pence said his hitting has found a path and balance

3 Former Giant first baseman Orlando Cepeda was remembered by former Giant great Willie Mays, Willie McCovey, and Barry Bonds at the annual Spring Legends meeting, saying that Cepeda’s presence is sorely missed.

4 Giant pitcher Jeff Samardzija said he’s experimenting with several pitches for his 2018 repertoire. After having some rough spots in 2017, he wants an effective 2018.

5 Morris takes a look at the differences from last season’s club to this season’s team in Cactus League and says the Giants no doubt have improved.

Morris Phillips does the Giants podcasts each Monday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

A’s sign catcher Jonathan Lucroy to one-year, $6.5 million contract

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Photo credit: @Athletics

By Daniel Dullum
Sports Radio Service
Monday, March 12, 2018

MESA, Ariz. – Free agent catcher Jonathan Lucroy landed with the Oakland Athletics on Monday morning after agreeing to terms on a one-year, $6.5 million contract, the team announced.

“We’ve been in touch for about a month,” A’s general manager David Forst said. “We kept the conversation going and ultimately, it got to the point where it became realistic and we became excited about it.”

To make room for Lucroy on the 40-man roster, the A’s designated left-handed pitcher Jario Labourt for assignment.

“It’s very positive for me,” Lucroy said. “I talked to Bob (Melvin, manager) and Kots (coach Mark Kotsay) about it. I know from calling some games against them, this is a pretty good lineup and (the A’s) have some pretty good arms on the mound.

“I think there’s a lot of positives to look forward to, and we can sneak up on some people. Our division is going to be good, but we’ll be right there with them.”

Lucroy, a two-time All-Star for Milwaukee in 2014 and 2016, split last season between the Texas Rangers and Colorado Rockies. After hitting .242 for the Rangers, Lucroy was traded to Colorado on July 30 for Pedro Gonzalez, and hit .310 in 46 games before becoming a free agent after the season.

The 31-year-old Lucroy is one of a growing list of free agents signing a one-year deal well into spring training.

“This is a good opportunity for me, both from a competitive standpoint and a playing time standpoint,” Lucroy said. “Any time you get a chance to compete for a division and the league, there’s a possibility to do that. And I’m happy and proud to put this uniform on.”

Lucroy figures to add a veteran presence and power to the otherwise youthful A’s lineup and will likely take over the starting duties behind the plate from incumbent Bruce Maxwell. He’s a .281 career hitter with 96 home runs and 458 RBIs over his eight-year career.

Lucroy, who finished fourth in the 2014 National League most valuable player voting, has also thrown out 177 base stealers, most by an MLB catcher over that span.

Labourt had not pitched this spring after Oakland claimed him off waivers on March 4 from Cincinnati, two days after he was picked up by the Reds on waivers from Detroit.

On Sunday, the A’s optioned Labourt and right-handed pitcher Lou Trivino to Triple-A Nashville. Oakland also reassigned left-handed pitchers Jeremy Bleich and Jarret Martin, right-handed pitchers Nolan Blackwood and Bobby Wahl, catcher Santiago Chavez and infielder Nick Noonan to their minor league camp.

The Athletics have 50 players in camp, including 39 on the 40-man roster (which is full) along with 11 non-roster invitees.

GIANTS UPDATE
The Giants, meanwhile, rank near the top of numerous Cactus League categories after 18 games. San Francisco leads in team batting average (.307), total bases (365) and on-base percentage (.371). Going into Monday’s game in Mesa, the Giants are also tied for second in home runs (34) and runs batted in (122).

Outfielder Mac Williamson is swinging one of those hot bats for the Giants. In 15 games, Williamson is hitting .412 with two doubles, two triples, four homers and 13 RBIs. Infielder Kyle Jensen, a non-roster invitee, has also had a strong spring for the Giants, with five home runs in 19 at-bats – most of any National League player.

The team reports that third baseman Evan Longoria is still listed as day-to-day with stiffness in his left heel and ankle. Catcher Hector Sanchez is dealing with a hamstring pull and hasn’t played since Feb. 28. He’s expected to possibly miss another week or two.

Following Monday’s game, the Giants optioned right-handed pitchers Tyler Herb, Pierce Johnson, Chase Johnson and Reyes Moronta; left-handed pitchers Steven Okert and D.J. Snelten; catcher Aramis Garcia and infielder Miguel Gomez to Triple-A Sacramento. San Francisco also reassigned right-handed pitchers Tyler Cyr, Jose Flores, Dereck Rodriguez and Madison Younginer; and infielder Alan Hanson to its minor league camp.

ORLANDO CEPEDA UPDATE
The Giants issued a brief update on the medical status of Hall of Famer Orlando Cepeda, saying, “The Cepeda Family would like to thank the baseball family for its concern and well wishes for Orlando. We are pleased to report that Orlando continues to make significant progress every day and is showing major signs of improvement. Please continue to keep him in your thoughts and prayers.”

Cepeda, 80, was hospitalized in February after suffering cardiac arrest and falling in a parking lot, where he sustained a severe blow to the skull.

THE GAME
Jarrett Parker’s RBI double in the eighth helped San Francisco regain the lead and take a 6-5 Cactus League decision Monday over the Athletics. Orlando Calixte, who was hit by a pitch from A’s reliever Daniel Gossett (0-1), scored on the play.

Righthander Roberto Gomez (2-0) threw 1 1/3 innings to get the win; Joan Gregorio and Manny Parra each threw a scoreless inning. Parra earned his first save of the spring.

The Giants broke the game open in with five runs in the top of the fifth inning. Centerfielder Steve Duggar’s two-run home run – his fourth – and a two-out, three-run double by catcher Nick Hundley were the key blows off A’s reliever Ryan Buchter.

Oakland rightfielder Stephen Piscotty belted his second CL homer, a solo shot to left in the second inning off San Francisco starter Chris Stratton. It was also the first hit off the righthander, who struck out three and walked one in four innings.

The A’s closed to within 5-4 in the sixth on Franklin Barreto’s two-run homer off Sam Dyson, and tied the game at 5-5 on Jake Smolinski’s sacrifice fly to center.

Jharel Cotton, the Oakland starter, struck out five and walked three in four hitless innings. Piscotty was 2-for-2 before departing in the fifth.

Announced attendance was 8,539.

THE WEEK AHEAD
The Giants (10-7-2) face a Chicago Cubs split-squad in Mesa on Tuesday, then head to Peoria on Wednesday (Seattle) and Thursday (San Diego) before taking Friday off. The A’s split squad visits Scottsdale on Saturday while the Giants send their other split squad to Goodyear to face Cincinnati.

Oakland (8-7-2) heads to Glendale to face Kansas City on Tuesday, has an off day on Wednesday, returns to Hohokam Stadium for games on Thursday (Seattle), Friday (Cleveland), Saturday (Seattle – SS) and Sunday (Chicago White Sox).

TAGS
San Francisco Giants, Oakland Athletics, A’s, Jonathan Lucroy, Cactus League, Sports Radio Service.

NCAA March Madness Podcast with Michelle Richardson: NC and Duke fail to win ACC Tournament; Virginia gets a sweep in the ACC; Villanova and Kansas win conference tournaments

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Photo credit: @NovaMBB

On the NCAA March Madness Podcast with Michelle:

1 Michelle, the choices for the NCAA committee for a top seeded school selection was easy when North Carolina or Duke didn’t win in the ACC tournament?

2 Virginia (31-2) has clinched for a No.1 overall seed. They won the ACC in a sweep of the tournament that puts them up by four games. The Cavs had a most impressive record against quadrant one opponents going 12-1.

3 Villanova (30-4) and Kansas (27-7) won their conference tournaments. Kansas who won their title are 18-3 going up against the top two quadrants and swept Xavier and got wins from Tennessee and Gonzaga no easy tasks.

4. Michelle’s final thoughts.

Michelle Richardson invites you to listen to the March Madness Podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

 

 

 

NHL Podcast with Daniel Dullum: Caps absolutely shutdown Sharks’ offense; Knights roll to their 20th straight road win; NHL might consider winter Olympics next time around

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On the NHL Podcast with Daniel Dullum:

1 Sharks lose a tough 2-0 game against the Capitals

2 Vegas Golden Knights win their 20th road game

3 Daly: NHL return to Olympics “a possibility,” but a long ways off

4 Gionta, Nash help streaking Bruins power past fading Blackhawks

Catch Daniel each Sunday for the NHL Podcast at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

Barracuda take down Monsters in a 4-0 shutout victory to sweep homestand

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Photo credit: @sjbarracuda

By Marko Ukalovic

SAN JOSE — Call it something out of The Matrix. It was deja vu for the San Jose Barracuda (26-22-3-3) as they carried a one-goal lead into the third period and once again were able to close out the game with three goals in the period for the second straight night to sweep the weekend series against the Cleveland Monsters (20-31-4-3) in a 4-0 shutout victory on Saturday evening at SAP Center. It was also the first time in franchise history the Cuda swept a four-game homestand.

There was not much action in the opening period as neither team scored. San Jose had a good scoring chance when Manny Wiederer had an odd-man rush with Rudolfs Balcers, but Wiederer wasn’t able to connect a pass to Balcers who had an empty net to shoot at.

Cleveland had a late power play opportunity when Radim Simek went to the sin bin for holding. However, Cuda goalie Antoine Bibeau (18-11-2) held down the fort making key saves, including a point-blank save on Jordan Schroeder right in front of the net. Cleveland outshot San Jose 10-5.

The Cuda would break the deadlock early in the second period once again on the power play. Alexander True would score his eighth goal of the season at the 1:28 mark. Balcers would slide a pass over to True who snapped a shot under Monsters goalie Jeff Zatkoff’s (2-4-1) glove in the far left post. Nick DeSimone received the secondary assist.

The Cuda received a five-minute power play late in the second period when Kale Kessy slammed Wiederer against the boards for a major boarding penalty with 1:37 left. However, they weren’t able to generate many chances in the beginning of the third period as the Monsters were able to kill it off.

Wiederer would get an important insurance goal just seconds after the Monster penalty kill. Captain John McCarthy set up Wiederer with a nice pass and he was able to bury it past Zatkoff for his fifth goal of the season at the 3:24 mark. It was Wiederer’s first goal in his last 22 games. Rourke Chartier received the secondary assist.

Chartier thought he gave the Cuda a 3-0 lead when after a great toe drag move by Sam Warning was able to skate past Terry Broadhurst and send in a shot on Zatkoff that resulted in a rebound causing a mad scramble in front of the net that Chartier argued he had put the puck in the back of net. After video review, no goal was called.

Blacers did make it 3-0 when he blasted his team leading 16th goal of the season past Zatkoff from outside the hashes that hit just under the crossbar in the far left post at the 5:40 mark. McCarthy had a two-point night with his second assist of the night. Julius Bergman received the secondary assist.

Emerson Clark put the game on ice for the Cuda when he skated in on a power move on Zatkoff, then fired a shot that was initially saved but Zatkoff was unable to collect the rebound as Clark was able to jam it home for his seventh goal of the season at the 12:19 mark. Caleb Herbert and Alex Schoenborn received assists on the goal.

Bibeau had a great game, stopping all 23 shots he faced for his fourth shutout of the season. Zatkoff took the loss, making 25 saves on 29 shots.

GAME NOTES: San Jose went 1/6 on the power play. Cleveland was 0/2.

There was a big post whistle scrum that led to roughing penalties to San Jose’s Emerson Clark and Zach Frye and Cleveland’s Kale Kessy and Calvin Thurkauf, who received a double minor for his actions.

The Cuda set an attendance record with an announced crowd of 8,046.

The game was the second part of Hockey Day in San Jose. The San Jose Sharks hosted the Washington Capitals earlier in the afternoon. FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT! Clark and Zac Delpe exchanged fisticuffs with under four minutes left in the third period. San Jose won the season series over Cleveland 3-1.

UP NEXT: The Barracuda take their four-game winning streak on the road where they begin a four-game road trip when they travel out to Bakersfield to take on the Condors on Friday 3/16 at 7 pm PT.

NHL Podcast with Matt Harrington: Sharks get shutout in Sat matinee 2-0; Stars get scoring help in the third period to get by Ducks; CBJs win their third in a row; Flames on solid defense and goaltending help in 2-1 win

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Photo credit: @DallasStars

On the NHL podcast with Matt Harrington:

1 The Dallas Stars got scoring help on power play goals from Devin Shore and Jamie Benn in the third period that got them by the Anaheim Ducks 2-1. The Stars improved their lead for a first place spot in the wild card with the win.

2 The Columbus Blue Jackets edged the Detroit Red Wings 3-2. The Jackets are hot they’ve won three straight as the Jackets’ Seth Jones found the back of the net twice to help lift Columbus to a home ice win. Sergei Bobrovsky, who missed two games due to an illness, came in as the Jackets netminder and stopped 22 shots.

3 Sam Bennett and Mat Stajan scored all the goals the Calgary Flames needed in a win over the Ottawa Senators 2-1. The Flames goaltender David Rittich saved the day with 29 saves.

4 The Minnesota Wild’s Eric Staal made it to the top three stars with a go-ahead goal to help pace the Wild to a 5-2 win past the Vancouver Canucks. Staal is on a roll with 11 goals in his last nine games. He has 37 for the season.

5 Injuries on the NHL front: The Stars’ Martin Hanzal is scheduled for back surgery and is not going to return for the rest of the season his recovery is expected to be six months. Also, the Sabres’ Kyle Okposo suffered a concussion when he collided with the Sens’ Bobby Ryan and is listed out indefinitely the injury happened during Thursday’s game.

Matt Harrington does the NHL Podcast each week and is a San Jose Sharks beat writer for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Diego State beats New Mexico 82-75 to win Mountain West title

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Photo credit: @Aztec_MBB

By: Ana Kieu

LAS VEGAS — There won’t be any San Jose State Spartans men’s basketball games until next season, but college basketball fans rejoiced as the San Diego State Aztecs took on the New Mexico Lobos in the Mountain West championship game Sunday at the Thomas & Mack Center.

The beginning featured plenty of back-and-forth action as the Lobos opened the scoring as Vladimir Pinchuk made a layup and Troy Simons hit a 3-pointer in the first two minutes of the opening half. Then, the Aztecs’ Malik Pope sank a pair of free throws to get his team on the board.

The Lobos pushed ahead for a 10-2 lead over the Aztecs as Sam Logwood hit a three and Antino Jackson followed up with a layup. Before the first media timeout, New Mexico led San Diego State 12-4 at the 15:34 mark of the half. At that time, UNM went 5-6 (83.3%) in FG% and 2-2 (100%) in 3FG%.

The Aztecs made it a one-point game as they trailed the Lobos 14-13 at the 11:37 mark of the half. At that time, SDSU went 5-11 (45.5%) in FG% and 1-3 (33%) in 3FG%, while UNM went 6-11 (54.5%) on FG% and 2-3 (66.7%) in 3FG%.

Thanks to a Kell jumper, the Aztecs took a 22-20 lead over the Lobos with 7:56 left to go in the half. At the time, SDSU went 8-17 (47.1%) in FG% and 2-5 (40.0%) in 3FG%, while UNM went 8-18 (44.4%) in FG% and 2-5 (40.0%) in 3FG%.

These two teams exchanged leads late in the half.

The Aztecs added to their lead for a little over a minute; the Lobos tied the game on Jackson and Mathis’ 3-pointers, respectively; and then the Aztecs’ Kameron Rooks sank a pair of free throws to put SDSU back on top 31-29 with 4:03 left to go in the half. At that time, SDSU went 11-25 (44.0%) in FG%, 2-6 (33.3%) in 3FG% and 7-7 (100.0%) in FT%, while UNM went 11-24 (45.8%) in FG%, 5-10 (50.0%) in 3FG% and 2-2 (100.0%) in FT%.

In a wilder string of exchanges, Simons hit a three to tie the game at 37 apiece, Aztecs’ Jalen McDaniels made a jumper and then the spotlight went back on Simons as he made a free throw with just one second left to go in the half. The Aztecs carried a 39-38 lead to the locker room at halftime.

Here are the halftime stats: SDSU went 14-30 (46.7%) in FG%, 2-8 (25.0%) in 3FG% and 9-11 (81.8%) in FT%, while UNM went 14-31 (45.2%) in FG%, 6-11 (54.5%) in 3FG% and 4-5 (80.0%) in FT%.

The Aztecs went on a brief 4-0 run on Kell and Pope’s jumpers, respectively, and then McDaniel’s dunk. SDSU led UNM 49-47 at the 15:29 mark of the second half. At that time, SDSU outscored UNM 9-2 on second chance points. SDSU went 5-6 (83.3%) in FG%, while UNM went 4-7 (57.1%) in FG% and 1-3 (33.3%) in 3FG%.

The Lobos had a one-point lead over the Aztecs at the 11:41 mark of the half. At that time, UNM went 6-11 (54.5%) in FG%, 2-6 (33.3%) in 3FG% and 0-1 (0.0%) in FT%, while SDSU went 6-11 (54.5%), 0-1 (0.0%) in 3FG% and 0-2 (0.0%) in FT%.

The Lobos continued to build up its lead to six points for a 63-57 advantage over the Aztecs with 7:35 left to go in the half. At that time, UNM went 10-20 (50.0%) in FG%, 2-8 (25.0%) in 3FG% and 3-4 (75.0%) in FT%, while SDSU went 8-15 (53.3%) in FG%, 0-2 (0.0%) in 3FG% and 2-5 (40.0%) in FT%.

However, the Lobos’ lead was short-lived, partially because they went cold for more than five minutes. The Aztecs led by six, 71-65, with 3:57 left to go in the half. At that time, SDSU went 12-22 (54.5%) in FG%, 3-6 (50.0%) in 3FG% and 5-8 (62.5%) in FT%, while UNM went 10-25 (40.0%) in FG%, 2-9 (22.2%) in 3FG% and 5-6 (83.3%) in FT%.

The seconds on the clock slowly ticked away, and the Lobos unfortunately let a substantial amount of time slip away before fouling. The Aztecs led the Lobos by six, 81-75, with 7.1 seconds left on the clock. Pope made the final free throw of the game to help the Aztecs to a 82-75 win over the Lobos for the Mountain West title.

Here are the final stats: SDSU went 28-56 (50.0%) in FG%, 5-15 (33.3%) in 3FG% and 21-29 (72.4%) in FT%, while UNM went 26-63 (41.3%) in FG%, 8-24 (33.3%) in 3FG% and 15-17 (88.2%) in FT%.

Notes
No. 5 Aztecs’ starting lineup: Devin Watson (#0; G), Trey Kell (#3, G), Jalen McDaniels (#5; F), Matt Mitchell (#11; F) and Malik Pope (#21; F).

No. 3 Lobos’ starting lineup: Chris McNeal (#1; G), Sam Logwood (#2, G/F), Antino Jackson (#3, G), Vladimir Pinchuk (#15, F/C) and Troy Simons (#31, G).

Combined effort from all players help Kings to a 94-88 win over Magic

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Photo credit: @SacramentoKings

By: Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO — The Kings came into the game Friday night’s game against the Orlando Magic coming off a loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. The same was true for the Magic who suffered a loss in their last game falling to the Lakers. The Kings and the Magic come into the game with a identical record of 20-45.

The first quarter would start with the Kings jumping out ahead in force. The Kings would lead the Magic 9-3. The Kings would continue to score on the Magic extending the lead to 18-10 with 2:51 to play in the first. The Magic would only be able to add a two before the end of the quarter. That two was made by Shelvin Mack to make it 14-22 Kings going into the second quarter.

In the second quarter, the Kings would continue to build their lead. With 9:24 to play in the second, the Kings would lead 26-16. However, both teams would be sloppy with the ball. Having played about two-thirds of the second quarter the number of turnovers for both teams would sit at 18. The Kings committed 11 turnovers, which led to seven points.

The Magic committed seven turnovers, but they only led to two points. The game would continue to go back-and-forth, and with 1:20 to go in the second quarter, the Kings led 36-33. Frank Mason would attempt a layup with 38.9 seconds to go. He drained it, and was fouled on the way up making it a three-point play and a 41-33 Kings lead. Vince Carter would attempt a long three at the buzzer, but it was no good. The half ended 41-36 with the Kings on top.

Coming into the third quarter, the Kings had the lead 41-36. Garrett Temple drained seven points in the three minutes to put the Kings up 50-39. The Kings and Magic both appeared to need a go-to scorer in the third.

For the Kings, that would be Garrett Temple and Kosta Koufos. Temple would finish the third with 23 points and Koufos with 16. The Kings would put up 33 points in the third compared to the Magic’s 26. Both teams upped the ante, but Sacramento came out on top. After three quarters, the Kings led the Magic 74-62.

The Kings came out onto the court in the fourth and final quarter with what seemed to be a higher enthusiasm. The crowd was into it, and so were the Kings. Jack Cooley would come out strong in the fourth quarter, proving to be a valuable scorer. After only four minutes, he had accumulated six points.

The game would stay at a 11 point spread as play stopped with 8:05 to go. At the 4:37 mark in the fourth the Kings led 88-76. The Magic would need to get some major work done in the final four minutes to have a shot. In the end, the Magic would be unable to muster enough and the Kings would be victorious 94-88.

Notable Performances: Kosta Koufos (18 points), Garrett Temple (23 points), Vince Carter (15 points), Jonathon Simmons (25 points) and Nikola Vucevic (13 Points).

Up Next: The Kings go on the road to face the Nuggets on Sunday. The Magic continue the road trip and head to Los Angeles, Calif., for a matchup against the Lakers on Saturday.

Aztecs and Lobos advance to the Mountain West Championship

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Photo credit: @UNMLOBOS

By: Ana Kieu

LAS VEGAS — This year, the San Jose State Spartans were handed a first-round exit for the third year in a row, but most, if not all, Spartan fans and alumnus were understanding of first-year head coach Jean Prioleau’s struggle because who reaches perfection in their debut year?

Anyways, let’s take a look at the semifinals of this year’s Mountain West Tournament at the Thomas & Mack Center. Both games were broadcast live on CBS Sports Network: No. 1 Nevada Wolf Pack faced the No. 5 San Diego State Aztecs on Friday at 6:00 pm PT, while the No. 7 Utah State Aggies took on the No. 3 New Mexico Lobos at 8:30 pm PT.

No. 1 Nevada vs. No. 5 San Diego State
The Nevada Wolf Pack were seeking revenge against the San Diego State Aztecs and what better way to do it than battling it out on the court in the semifinals of the MW Tournament?

Just five minutes into the opening half, Nevada trailed San Diego State 15-9. Aztecs guard Trey Kell put his defender in the popcorn machine and then found fellow guard Devin Watson for a 3-pointer.

The Aztecs continued to pour in the points in a successful attempt to suppress the Wolf Pack. Watson got his third triple and later stepped in for the jumper. Meanwhile, Kell hit a couple of threes. Wolf Pack forward Jordan Caroline led his team in scoring with seven points, but they continued to trail 34-16 with 7:55 to go in the half.

The Aztecs carried a whopping 55-25 lead over the Wolf Pack at the half. According to Stats by STATS, SDSU led No. 22 Nevada by 30 points, which marked their largest halftime lead by an unranked team against a ranked opponent since the Butler Bulldogs led 43-10 at the half against the No. 23 Wake Forest Demon Deacons in the 2001 NCAA Tournament.

The Wolf Pack got on the board first in the second half. Wolf Pack guard Kendall Stephens hit a layup just 14 seconds into the half. Yet, Nevada continued to trail SDSU 55-27 and basically succumbed to a large deficit throughout the half.

Aztecs center Kameron Rooks made some notable moves in the paint to help his team to a 70-43 lead with 9:55 to go in the half. Also, Aztecs forward Malik Pope threw down a dunk in a stellar completion of a tremendous play just a little over 40 seconds later.

The Aztecs had this semifinal game from start to finish and advanced to the championship game with a 90-73 win over Nevada.

Final stats: SDSU–FG%: 28-54 (51.9%); 3FG%: 8-23 (34.8%); FT%: 26-34 (76.5%). Nevada–FG%: 27-68 (39.7%); 3FG%: 7-29 (24.1%); FT%: 12-17 (70.6%).

No. 7 Utah State vs. No. 3 New Mexico
The Utah State Aggies upset the Boise State Broncos, but were they able to repeat against the New Mexico Lobos in the semifinals of the MW Tournament?

These two teams went back-and-forth in the opening minutes of the first half. However, New Mexico had the upper hand as they led Utah State by one (9-8) at the 14:16 mark of the half.

These two teams were tied at 12 apiece midway through the half. Then, USU went on a 11-0 run since the 14-minute mark and went ahead of UNM during a span of 4:01. Lobos guard Troy Simons hit a 3-pointer to end the Aggies’ lengthy run.

The Lobos went on a massive 17-0 run and closed out the half with a free throw from forward Sam Logwood. Meanwhile, the Aggies went cold out of the blue. The Lobos led the Aggies 37-25 at the half.

The Aggies continued the cold streak in the second half. The Lobos went on a 6-0 run to start the half.

After Makuach Maluach threw down a dunk, USU snapped out of their pointless streak and went on an 8-0 run that was ended by a jumper from Joe Furstinger at the 11:52 mark.

There was a timeout on the floor and the Lobos led the Aggies by 16 points, 75-59, with 3:56 to go in the half. The Lobos continued to hold onto its lead and guard Antino Jackson added a three with 18 seconds left in regulation.

The Lobos advanced to the championship game, where they will take on the Aztecs.

Final stats: USU–FG%: 24-57 (42.1%); 3FG%: 7-24 (29.2%); FT%: 13-16 (81.3%). UNM–FG%: 28-54 (51.9%); 3FG%: 7-24 (29.2%); FT%: 20-25 (80.0%).

Notes
Wolf Pack’s projected lineup: Charlie Todley, John Jones, Elijah Cooks, Caleb Martin, Cody Martin, Elijah Foster, Hallice Cooke, Lindsey Drew, David Cunningham, Kendall Stephens, Jordan Caroline, Josh Hall and Justin Brent.

Aztecs’ projected lineup: Devin Watson, Adam Seiko, Trey Kell, Michael Sohikish, Jalen McDaniels, Max Montana, Matt Mitchell, Jordan Schakel, Malik Pope, Nolan Narain, Jeremy Hemsley and Kameron Rooks.

Lobos’ projected lineup: Chris McNeal, Sam Logwood, Antino Jackson, Mike Mondragon, Joe Furstinger, Makuach Maluach, Jachai Simmons, Dane Kuiper, Vladimir Pinchuk, Troy Simons and Anthony Mathis.

Aggies’ projected lineup: DeAngelo Isby, Koby McEwen, Sam Merrill, Crew Ainge, Julion Pearre, Quinn Taylor, Alex Dargenton, Justin Bean, Brock Miller, Daron Henson, Diogo Brito, Dwayne Brown Jr. and Abel Porter.

Up Next
The Wolf Pack and Lobos will meet for the final of the Mountain West Tournament on Sunday at 3:00 pm PT.