A judge has ruled that a transgender player on the San Jose State women's volleyball team is eligible to participate in the upcoming Mountain West tournament. This decision comes amid ongoing discussions and legal considerations regarding transgender athletes' participation in sports.
San Diego State Aztecs showcased their toughness and determination in a 72-61 victory over UNLV at Viejas Arena. Despite an early lead by SDSU, UNLV managed to close the gap, but SDSU's scrappiness and key plays by Jaedon LeDee, who finished with 20 points and 11 rebounds, kept them ahead. The win marked SDSU's 13th of the season and improved their record against UNLV to 22-2 over the past decade. SDSU also dominated in free throws and rebounds, further highlighting their physicality in the game.
The San Diego State Aztecs are facing injury challenges with key players Reese Waters and Miles Byrd as they prepare for a significant nationally televised game against a seasoned and motivated UNLV team. Waters, the team's second-leading scorer, is dealing with a sprained ankle but may play, while Byrd is out with a more concerning turf toe injury. UNLV, boasting a roster filled with fifth-year seniors and talented transfers, is looking to make a statement after a lackluster start to the season, and for the first time this season, they expect to have a full roster available. The Aztecs have dominated the series against UNLV in recent years, but this game presents a tough challenge as they navigate their injury woes.
The Mountain West is experiencing a significant snow drought, with many areas having less than a third of the snow they typically would in January. This is due to warmer temperatures and a lack of moisture-rich storms, possibly influenced by El Niño. Snow water equivalent (SWE) levels are critically low across various regions, impacting winter sports and water resources. Despite entering a colder pattern, the West needs a change in the weather pattern to recover from the deficit. Climate experts warn that such snowless years could become more common due to global warming, with a dramatic decline in mountain snow since the 1950s.
The San Diego State Aztecs triumphed over Fresno State with a score of 74-47 in their Mountain West conference opener, but the victory was marred by injuries to guards Reese Waters and Miles Byrd. Waters, who had previously injured his ankle, aggravated it during the game, while Byrd suffered from turf toe. Their availability for the upcoming game against UNLV remains uncertain. Despite the injuries, the Aztecs showcased a strong offensive performance, with Jaedon LeDee scoring 21 points, leading to their largest victory margin this season against a Division I opponent.
No. 13 Colorado State men's basketball team made a strong statement in their Mountain West opener by defeating New Mexico 76-68. Both teams entered the game with impressive 12-1 records, but Colorado State dominated the second half, particularly in the paint, and showcased their depth with key players like Isaiah Stevens, who surpassed 2,000 career points, and Patrick Cartier, who scored 21 points. The victory sets a significant tone for the Rams as they face a challenging schedule ahead in a competitive Mountain West conference.