San Diego State prepared for third meeting with UNLV after first-round win

By Case Keefer (contact)

Thursday, March 10, 2011 | 11:30 p.m.

Before each one of San Diego State’s games, coach Steve Fisher posts a handful of goals for his players in the locker room.

One bullet point is a constant on that list — go on positive spurts and maximize them. San Diego State followed that instruction Thursday night in the first round of the Mountain West Conference Tournament and blew past Utah 64-50.

“We’ve done that with some consistency all season,” Fisher said.

The Aztecs missed a few open shots and failed to challenge the Utes defensively in the opening seven minutes of the game. Utah led 10-8 before San Diego State amped up its full court pressure and went on a 22-5 run to end the first half.

The Utes could never respond to the problems caused by the Aztec frontcourt triumvirate of Kawhi Leonard, Malcolm Thomas and Billy White.

“We were rushing a few shots, so we just wanted to get on the other end,” Thomas said. “On defense, I think we did a good job.”

Thomas and his teammates made it no secret that they’ll carry a similar game plan into Friday’s semifinal matchup with UNLV.

The Aztecs are full of confidence heading into their third meeting with the Rebels this season. And they have a reason for it.

San Diego State has gone 7-1 against UNLV over the past three seasons, including a 10-point victory in last year’s Mountain West Conference Tournament championship game.

“Playing UNLV is always tough,” Thomas said. “We have to limit turnovers, be a little patient. It’s going to be an aggressive, tough game. We’re just going to have to be focused mentally and hopefully come out with a victory.”

It took tenacious 40-minute performances from San Diego State in both wins against UNLV this season. The Aztecs prevailed by six in both games.

“We beat them twice,” White said. “We can beat them again.”

The Aztecs chances will be maximized if they continue sharing the ball like they did against the Utes. San Diego State had 18 assists on 24 field goals.

Thomas particularly made a handful of crisp passes out of the post. In a performance Fisher characterized as “outstanding,” Thomas had eight assists to go with 13 points and 10 rebounds.

His ball movement led to a number of buckets for Leonard and White.

“They all want to score, but they’re willing to move the ball and swing it and make one more pass,” Fisher said. “I think that’s the character of the kids we’ve got more than anything else.”

Leonard finished with 13 points and 12 rebounds, while White pitched in 11 points and nine rebounds.

“Our whole team can score,” Leonard said. “We draw double teams all the time on the court, so there’s always an open man. All three of us like to pass the ball, we’re not looking to take an attempt every time down the floor.”

Leonard left the court for a few minutes in the second half with a severe back cramp, but said he was fine after the game. Despite the scare and San Diego State’s locked-up spot in the NCAA Tournament, Fisher said Leonard wouldn’t play any less in the semifinals.

The Aztecs are determined to give the Rebels all they can handle.

“I’m proud of the fact that we’re playing tomorrow,” Fisher said. “We’ve got a very good team. We know that. Our expectations are to continue to play well.”

Case Keefer can be reached at 948-2790 or [email protected]. Follow Case on Twitter at twitter.com/casekeefer.