Strong depth leads the way as Aztec bench picks up starters to power past Utah Valley

The bench of the winners scored 59 of the 77 teams' points. That's what is you call DEPTH.

The San Diego State Aztecs took care of business back home against the Utah Valley Wolverines, 77-65 on Wednesday night at Viejas Arena.

It was one of those games where the Aztecs (4-3) just couldn't make the opposing team just wouldn't go away. The Wolverines (5-3) were able to come back from two double-digit deficits, and against a defensive-minded team like the Aztecs that is not an easy thing to accomplish.

Aztecs Junior Guard BJ Davis spoke on why it was so hard to put the Wolverines away.

"I think they were really resilient and they stuck through it the whole way, they made some big shots and had good facilitators that were getting to the rim. They stayed together and kept fighting through it all."

Davis, who is known as a prime on ball defender, made his presence known by being aggressive on the offensive end, finishing with a game high 18 points and scoring in double-figures for the fifth game in a row. He made his first three shots from the field and was off to the races, having scored 10 points in a 2:48 flurry after first subbing in.

Aztecs coach Brian Dutcher returned the favor on his high praise for Davis along with his growth in his offensive game, where this season he is averaging 11.0 points per game off the bench.

“BJ has obviously been one of our best players, but the spark he provides off the bench who else is going to do that," Dutcher said. "I mean he changes the rhythm of the game when he comes in so sometimes I try to tell BJ everyday how much I value him.”

The Aztecs two leading scorers Miles Byrd (11.0 PPG), who was dealing with an illness, and Reese-Dixon Waters (14.4 PPG) who finished with seven points coming off illness meant the door was open for the bench to thrive. It would be a night for the other guys and they didn’t disappoint.

Outside of Davis, Aztecs forwards Tae Simmons and Pharaoh Compton made their presence known inside with interior scoring and rebounding. Simmons, who had a career-high 15 points and matched his career-best with seven rebounds, followed up after the game on his mindset of impacting the game not only for himself but his team as well.

“Whatever the team needs me to do to win, that's what I am going to do, whether it's two minutes or 10 minutes I’m just going to play my hardest.”

Simmons may be listed as a freshman, but his mentality shows he's mature beyond his years. Compton as well had his imprint in different areas game finishing with 12 points, five rebounds and three blocks.

At 2:14 of regulation Compton made a timely block on an attempted alley-oop dunk, which would lead to a transition layup by Sean Newman Jr. to put the Aztecs 71-64. That would all but seal the game and safely secure a win for the home team, as SDSU scored 10 of the final 12 points for the game.

It is not always easy to root for the next man when trying to earn minutes. However, this is a team that has bought in the common goal over individual success. It makes it that much easier to focus on the common goal where egos are put to the side.

The Aztecs will be back home on December 10 to take on the Lamar Cardinals, who are currently 5-2. Tip off at Viejas Arena is scheduled for 7 p.m.