Air Force vs San Diego State Picks and Prediction – 1/9/2025

The Air Force Falcons (3-11, 0-3) face off against the San Diego State Aztecs (9-3, 2-1) on January 8 at 9:30 PM at Viejas Arena. The Falcons come off a 70-65 loss to Wyoming, while the Aztecs secured a 76-68 win against Boise State. Slam dunk your bets with our College Basketball picks.

The Air Force Falcons enter this matchup struggling with a four-game losing streak, averaging 65.1 points per game while allowing 70.0. Ethan Taylor leads the offense with 14.4 points per game, shooting 43.0% from the field and 80.0% from the line. Taylor also leads in assists (4.2) and rebounds (6.2), providing stability for an offense that shoots 46.9% from the field and 33.7% from three-point range. Despite solid shooting, the Falcons struggle to create second chances, averaging just 29.1 rebounds per game.

Defensively, Air Force has weaknesses, surrendering 70.0 points per game. The Falcons average only 2.9 blocks and 5.9 steals per game, showing limited ability to generate turnovers or protect the rim. Caleb Walker leads with 0.6 blocks, but interior defense remains an issue. With opponents outrebounding the Falcons by nearly 9 boards per game, defensive rebounding will need to improve against San Diego State’s size and physicality.

San Diego State Aztecs come into the matchup with strong form, winning four of the last five. The offense averages 74.5 points per game, led by Miles Byrd with 13.9 points on 42.9% shooting. Jared Coleman-Jones controls the boards with 4.8 rebounds per game, while Nick Boyd leads with 3.8 assists. The Aztecs shoot 44.8% from the field and 35.1% from beyond the arc.

Defensively, the Aztecs allow only 63.9 points per game and dominate the glass with 37.8 rebounds per contest. Magoon Gwath anchors the defense, averaging 2.9 blocks, while BJ Davis leads with 1.9 steals. With 6.0 blocks and 7.6 steals per game, the Aztecs excel in disrupting offenses and protecting the paint. 

San Diego State’s defensive edge and rebounding advantage give them a clear upper hand against Air Force. The Falcons’ struggles on defense and the boards make it hard to see them keeping up with the Aztecs’ balanced scoring and efficient defense. Expect San Diego State to control both ends of the floor. Final Score Prediction: San Diego State Aztecs wins and covers 88-62.