San Diego State squandered a 24-point lead, but avoided a massive letdown Saturday night at Viejas Arena.
Brian Dutcher’s team led Boise State by 24 at one point in the first half, and went to the locker room up 50-29. What looked like a statement win turned into one of the most thrilling games you’ll see this college basketball season.
Javan Buchanan scored 29 to help the Broncos erase the Aztecs’ lead. BJ Davis – a 91.5 percent free throw shooter – went to the line up two with 18 seconds left in regulation. The junior guard missed the front end of a one-and-one, paving the way for a Drew Fielder game-tying layup on the other end.
Davis missed a potential game-winning layup, which led to a transition opportunity for Dylan Andrews. The Boise State guard pulled up from the free throw line at the buzzer and watched his shot rattle out – sending the teams to overtime tied at 79.
With 18 seconds left in OT the Aztecs trailed by six and looked finished. Freshman point guard Elzie Harrington hit a three-pointer to make it a one possession game with 10 seconds left. On the ensuing inbound Davis stole RJ Keene II’s pass near midcourt. Davis held for the last shot and drilled a 25-footer to tie the game and force a second OT even at 93.
The teams ultimately went to triple overtime. San Diego State trailed by five until Jeremiah Oden knocked down a three-pointer and Harrington got even with a midrange pullup. Miles Heide scored four unanswered at one point for SDSU.
The Aztecs took the lead at the free throw line. They led 110-107 when Andrew Meadows missed an off balance three point attempt that would have tied the game.
Davis finished with 22 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and four steals off the bench. Harrington added a career high 20.
San Diego State’s thrilling win gets them to 9-4 and keeps the Aztecs perfect in the early stages of Mountain West play at 3-0.