Troy heads to Viejas Arena on Tuesday, Nov. 18 as a 15.5-point underdog against undefeated San Diego State. The Trojans (3-2) enter on a rough stretch with recent losses. The Aztecs (2-0) stand among the nation’s elite defensive teams. This matchup features a stark contrast in momentum.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- San Diego State allows just 51.0 points per game, ranked 2nd nationally
- Troy averages 87.2 points per game, relying heavily on 3-point shooting
- Spread sits at 15.5 points, making Troy a massive underdog
- Series tied 1-1 with last meeting in 2022 at Viejas Arena
- Game tips at 9 p.m. CT, airing on Mountain West Network
Trojans Battle Back Against Elite Defense
Troy‘s challenge tonight: Stop an unstoppable force. The Trojans dropped consecutive games at Loyola Marymount (74-63) and CSUN (94-85). Coach Scott Cross relies on a tight rotation with starters logging 30+ minutes regularly. The offense runs through five double-figure scorers.
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Cooper Campbell leads the way with 15.8 points per game and 4.4 assists. Brother Cobi Campbell adds 11.0 points while Thomas Dowd chips in 14.2 points and 9.4 rebounds. Victor Valdes connects for 15.2 points as well. The Trojans launch nearly half their shots from behind the arc.
“Anytime you play a team that’s capable of making 3s, you hope you don’t run into a night where they make 15.”
Undefeated Aztecs Dominate Defense
San Diego State ranks 2nd in the nation for scoring defense at 51.0 points allowed. The Aztecs opened with 77-45 victory over Long Beach State and 73-57 win over Idaho State. They earned 71 votes in the latest AP Poll, narrowly missing the Top 25.
Reese Dixon-Waters leads scoring at 15.0 points per game. The Aztecs benefit from a 9-day break before this matchup, the longest rest in early season play. San Diego State forces turnovers aggressively at 20 per game, ranking 9th nationally. Nearly 36 points separate what Troy scores and what San Diego State allows.
Game Matchup and Betting Breakdown
The numbers tell a stark story for Troy fans. This matchup pits a high-octane offense against historical defense. San Diego State ranks 30th on KenPom while Troy sits at 136th.
| Stat | Troy | San Diego State |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 3-2 | 2-0 |
| Points For | 87.2 PPG | 75.0 PPG |
| Points Against | Recent struggles | 51.0 PPG |
| Spread | +15.5 | –15.5 |
| KenPom Rank | 136th | 30th |
The 15.5-point spread reflects San Diego State‘s superiority as an all-around team. Troy has won in Viejas Arena before, defeating San Diego State 93-84 back in 2003. However, the Aztecs won the most recent meeting 60-55 in 2022 in this same arena.
Key Storylines to Monitor
- Troy’s third consecutive game away from home in the state of California
- San Diego State gets Magoon Gwath returning from seven-month knee rehab
- Miles Byrd returning with wrapped shooting hand from sprained finger
- Aztecs implement new offensive and defensive schemes after nine-day break
- Troy faces USC on Thursday in Ft. Myers, then Coconut Hoops tournament
Can Troy Pull Off an Upset Against Undefeated Aztecs?
Troy enters as one of college basketball’s best shooting teams from distance. The Trojans’s willingness to launch threes matches San Diego State‘s ability to smother opponents. One hot night from behind the arc creates chaos for elite defenses. Troy proved tournament-capable last season by reaching the NCAA Tournament as a 14th seed.
Yet history favors San Diego State massively. The Aztecs boast one of the nation’s finest defenses. They’ve allowed just 51.0 points per game. Troy averages 87.2 points, creating a 36-point chasm between offense and defense. This stretch tests whether Troy‘s shooting prowess overcomes San Diego State‘s stifling defense.
Will Troy‘s hot shooters find rhythm against San Diego State‘s elite perimeter defense?
Sources
- San Diego Union-Tribune – Game preview and player analysis with Mark Zeigler
- Troy University Athletics – Official team update and game information
- ESPN and KenPom – Statistical rankings and defensive metrics
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.