San Diego, CA (SportsNetwork.com) - Xavier Thames scored 10 of his 16 points in a huge first half for No. 24 San Diego State and the Aztecs coasted to a 76-39 win over Southern Utah on Wednesday night.
The Aztecs shot 50 percent and were 6-for-11 on 3-pointers in the first half for a 41-11 lead at the break. Thames made two 3s in a 21-2 run to open the game.
"I think the early start allowed us to dictate the pace and flow of the game," Aztecs head coach Steve Fisher said.
Aqeel Quinn added 14 points and Josh Davis scored 13 with 14 rebounds for the Aztecs (8-1), who have won seven straight games since losing to current No. 1 Arizona on Nov. 14.
Trey Kennedy had 10 points to lead the Thunderbirds (1-7), who have lost seven in a row since opening the season with a win over Arizona Christian.
"We didn't come out in the first half and step up to the challenge," Southern Utah head coach Nick Robinson said.
San Diego State led 39-5 with under three minutes to play in the first half. The Thunderbirds went on a comparative tear after that, outscoring the Aztecs 6-2 the rest of the way before the break.
Southern Utah shot 16.7 percent in the half and 28.6 percent for the game. The Aztecs led by as many as 42 late in the game.
Game Notes
San Diego State is at home against McNeese State on Saturday ... Southern Utah remains in the area to play at San Diego on Saturday.
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