Preview: Air Force at San José St
Mountain West Showdown: San José St Looks to Upset Air Force in Bittersweet Rematch
The stage is set for a thrilling matchup between two Mountain West Conference powerhouses, as San José State University takes on Air Force Academy. The Spartans, led by veteran guard Colby Garland, are looking to pull off an upset against the Falcons, who have been dealing with injuries and inconsistency.
Garland, a 21.3-point-per-game performer, will be crucial in this matchup, but he'll face a stiff test from Air Force's defense. The Falcons' backcourt, anchored by Kam Sanders (3.4 assists per game) and Caleb Walker (12.5 points per game), will look to contain the Spartans' high-powered offense.
The Falcons have struggled on the road this season, posting a 1-9 record in away games. San José State, meanwhile, has been quietly building momentum, winning four of its last five games.
Rebounding Battle Looms as X-Factor
One matchup that could prove decisive is the battle for rebounds. Air Force's Eli Robinson (5.8 rebounds per game) and San José St's Yaphet Moundi (7.2 rebounds per game) will go head-to-head in a crucial test of their strength on the glass.
The rebounding margin has been a telling statistic for both teams this season, with Air Force averaging just 29.5 boards per game, while San José State is averaging 37.3.
Recent Form and Key Trends
San José St's recent form hasn't been kind to them, as they've lost four of their last five games against ranked opponents. However, the Spartans have shown resilience in bouncing back from setbacks, with three wins in their last four games.
Air Force, on the other hand, has struggled mightily against ranked teams, posting a 0-5 record this season. But the Falcons have shown signs of life in recent weeks, winning two straight games before being defeated by UNLV.
The Matchup Breakdown
* Colby Garland (SJSU) vs Kam Sanders (AF)
* Caleb Walker (AF) vs Yaphet Moundi (SJSU)
* Rebounding battle: Air Force's Eli Robinson faces off against San José State's Yaphet Moundi
* Key stats to watch: rebounds, turnovers, and three-point shooting
The Anticipation Builds
This matchup has all the ingredients of a thrilling contest. Will San José St's high-powered offense be enough to overcome Air Force's stingy defense? Can the Falcons bounce back from recent setbacks and secure their first win against the Spartans?
One thing is certain: this game will be a true test of endurance, skill, and determination for both teams. The Mountain West Conference has proven itself to be a hotbed of competitiveness, and tonight's matchup promises to be one for the ages.
Get Ready for a Bitterly Sweet Rematch
The stage is set for an epic showdown between two conference rivals. Will San José St pull off the upset, or will Air Force bounce back from recent struggles? One thing is certain: this game will be a true battle for bragging rights in the Mountain West Conference.
Stay tuned for more analysis and updates as we build to kickoff!