San Diego State plays most of game without Magoon Gwath, falls 79-71 at Utah State
Aztecs lose key frontcourt piece early and can’t stop late Aggies surge in Logan
San Diego State’s road test at Utah State on Feb. 22, 2025 turned sharply in the opening minutes when forward Magoon Gwath exited with a right knee injury and did not return. The Aztecs played essentially the entire night without the freshman, then let a late lead slip in a 79-71 Mountain West loss at the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum.
The defeat dropped San Diego State to 18-7 overall and 11-5 in conference play at the time, while Utah State improved to 24-4 and 14-3. The matchup also carried scheduling implications: Utah State’s next game was set for a road trip to Boise State, while San Diego State was scheduled to return home to face New Mexico.
How the game unfolded
Utah State held a 33-26 halftime advantage after building its early offense around perimeter production. Guard Dexter Akanno led the Aggies with 12 points before the break, helping Utah State maintain control despite San Diego State’s attempts to settle into a new rotation following Gwath’s departure.
San Diego State mounted a second-half push, overcoming earlier deficits and moving in front multiple times. The contest tightened to the final minutes, when Utah State regained command. A free throw by Ian Martinez with 2:57 remaining put the Aggies ahead 70-69, a lead they did not relinquish. San Diego State’s BJ Davis fouled out late as Utah State closed with a decisive finishing run.
Key performers and statistics
Akanno scored 26 points for Utah State and went 7-for-9 from three-point range, adding five rebounds.
Martinez and Deyton Albury added 18 points apiece for the Aggies.
San Diego State was led by Nick Boyd with 15 points and six assists. Davis scored 14 points, hitting 4-of-7 from beyond the arc.
In the team totals, San Diego State shot 44% from the field (23-of-52), 33% from three (10-of-30) and 68% at the line (15-of-22).
Gwath’s early exit reshapes rotation
Gwath’s injury came roughly two minutes into the game after a defensive play near the rim, forcing San Diego State to proceed without a key frontcourt option. He logged only two minutes, recording one rebound and one block. He was later seen with his right knee wrapped and protected by a brace.
With Utah State’s shot-making from deep and a tight finish, the absence of a regular rotation piece became a central storyline as San Diego State navigated matchups and foul trouble over the final 37 minutes.
The loss ended a night in which San Diego State repeatedly answered runs but could not produce enough stops late to overcome Utah State’s perimeter efficiency and closing execution.