Final Stats

(San Diego, Calif.) - The USD Toreros dropped a 57-48 road loss to the No. 13 San Diego State Aztecs at Viejas Arena tonight before 12,414 fans in an ESPNU contest that tipped off at 8:05 pm. Senior guard Johnny Dee scored a game-high 16 points but it wasn't enough against a very talented and athletic Aztec team that is known for its tough defense. The Toreros will take their 4-4 record on the road to Pauley Pavilion this Sunday for a 4:00 p.m. contest against the No. 22 UCLA Bruins (6-2).

The host Aztecs, who won their ninth straight in this city championship series, jumped out to a 13-3 out of the gates. From there the Toreros were able to pretty much battle even the rest of way over the final 35 minutes of action. USD made it interesting in the second half twice when they were able to get within seven points. The first came at 35-28 on a Cameron Neubauer free throw with 13:44 to go, and the second time came with 00:48 seconds to go when Johnny Dee cashed in on three straight free throws to make it 55-48. SDSU's Dwayne Polee made two free throws a second later for the final score of 57-48.

The Toreros received a boost off the bench from guards Chris Sarbaugh (8 points) and Vasa Pusica (7 points, 2 steals). Junior center Jito Kok turned in a solid performance with 8 points, 10 rebounds and 3 blocked shots. Point guard Christopher Anderson chipped in with 7 assists. USD was held to 36.5% shooting from the field ( (19-52) and 30% from three-point range (6-20).

SDSU received a team-high 14 points from Polee and also got double-digit scoring from JJ O'Brien (13) and freshman guard Trey Kell (10). The Aztecs shot 37.3% from the field but outrebounded USD 38-30 and grabbed 15 offensive rebounds.