AFA men's basketball: Aztecs dominate on glass

As was the case in its first four losses this season, Air Force struggled on the glass Saturday night in its 61-44 loss to San Diego State.

The Aztecs outrebounded the Falcons, 40-27, and got 12 second-chance points. None were bigger than the three that came with San Diego State leading by just three mid-way through the second half. Tim Shelton grabbed a miss by Lorrenzo Wade and it set up a 3-pointer by D.J. Gay.

"We had some offensive droughts, but I think it's the same story - we just got beat on the boards really bad," Air Force senior forward Matt Holland said. "That's been our focus in practice, and we just need to keep working hard and getting better at rebounding the ball."

Shots not falling

Air Force coach Jeff Reynolds said the Falcons had "the same looks tonight that we had in games that we've won. They just didn't go in."

Air Force made just 16 of 50 shots, but Reynolds said some of that had to do with the Aztecs' defensive effort.

"I think this (San Diego State) team this year has really bought in to defending," he said.

Effort is there

Reynolds said he was pleased with the Falcons' effort Saturday.

"I thought we played hard all the way down," he said. "If we had a couple shots fall, maybe it would have been a little different story."

Etc.

Junior guard Avery Merriex played a career-high 21 minutes. ... Air Force's six turnovers were the lowest it has had in one game this season.