AZTEC KILLER
TEXTBOOK PRICES
JÄGERMEISTER TOUR
BYU’s Jimmer Fredette has owned the Aztecs in the past.
Learn why college textbooks suck your savings dry.
Mix one part swagger concert, one part rager, stir.
dailyaztec the
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
page 5
page 2
Vol. 96, Issue 62
San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper since 1913
w w w. T h e D a i l y A z t e c . c o m
INDEX:
sports ... 2
calendar ... 4
page 6
TODAY @ STATE A.S. Council Meeting, 3:30 – 7 p.m., Alumni Center Women’s Basketball, 7 p.m., Viejas
Tw i t t e r : T h e D a i l y A z t e c
opinion ... 5
entertainment ... 6
classifieds ... 7
backpage ... 8
SANTOS FAMILY SUES The case against Schwarzenegger is being handled by California Attorney General Kamala Harris, who could not be reached for comment.
Parents hope to reinstate 16-year sentence commuted by Schwarzenegger SARAH KOVASH
“my son was killed brutally; there will never be peace of mind.”
NEWS EDITOR
After more than two years of ordeals revolving around their son’s murder, the Santos family is fighting back for what they feel is justice by suing former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Fred and Kathy Santos, the parents of 22year-old Luis Santos, who was stabbed to death at San Diego State in 2008, are taking justice into their own hands after finding out at the beginning of this month that one of the men involved in the stabbing would be serving a reduced sentence. Last month, on his last day in office, Schwarzenegger commuted the original 16year prison sentence for Esteban Nuñez to seven years. Nuñez is the son of former California Assembly Speaker and business partner to one of Schwarzenegger’s staff members, Fabian Nuñez.
“Maybe we can remember him, the way he lived his life and … maybe then I can take some time and get to mourn him; I never got that before.”
— Fred Santos, father of Luis Santos
— Fred Santos, father of Luis Santos, who was stabbed to death in 2008 The Santos family was informed about Nuñez’s drastically reduced sentence days after, when a reporter called their house to ask for a reaction. “We had no idea what he was talking about, so we went online and started looking for news regarding Arnold Schwarzenegger,” Fred Santos said. Shortly after that, the Santos’ received a letter from Schwarzenegger apologizing for not informing them before commuting Nuñez’s sentence. However, the Santos family was not comforted by the letter. Fred Santos felt it was
File Photo
Fabian Nuñez observes his son’s trial from the gallery. Critics claim former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger commuted the sentence of the former California Assembly Speaker’s son because of his father’s connections.
most likely written by a staff member and used because “he (Schwarzenegger) had no choice but to do something to shut me up.” Now t he Santos family is suing Schwarzenegger, on the basis of Marsy’s Law. Marsy’s Law was passed by voters in 2008 and is called the “victim’s bill of rights.” It states many of the rights families have during
criminal proceedings, including “the right to be heard during critical stages of the criminal justice system. The Santos’ are suing in hopes that Nuñez’s original 16-year sentence will be reinstated. The office of Brad Patton, the lawyer representing Nuñez, said the Santos family has no basis for their lawsuit.
The Daily Aztec has launched a
BRAND NEW WEBSITE!
w w w . t h e d a i l y a z t e c . c o m Read special stories that you won’t find in our print edition!
Now the Santos family must sit back and wait. They filed the lawsuit last Thursday and are not quite sure what to expect. “I’ve never sued a governor before,” Fred Santos said. Not only do the Santos’ want Nuñez’s original sentence reinstated, but they also want to ensure that Schwarzenegger and Fabian Nuñez see the end of their careers. Regardless of what happens, it won’t ease the pain of their loss. “My son was killed brutally, there will never be peace of mind,” Fred Santos said. The family’s hope is to finish the proceedings with the lawsuit and put the last couple of years behind them. Doing so will allow the Santos family to stop fighting and remember their son,. “Maybe we can remember him, the way he lived his life and … maybe then I can take some time and get to mourn him; I never got that before,” Fred Santos said.
• Simpler Layout • More Info • Easy to Navigate
2
SPORTS
The Daily Aztec
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
MEN’S BASKETBALL
Fisher must find way to jam BYU’s Jimmer EDWARD LEWIS SPORTS EDITOR
San Diego State men’s basketball head coach Steve Fisher was tired of it. Over and over and over again, people asked him, “Who’s going to guard BYU superstar Jimmer Fredette tonight in the Marriott Center?” He had finally had enough of the question. So much so, he decided to get cute with the inquisitive media pestering him. “Pull out your pen,” Fisher said to the questioners. “Use a napkin or a piece of paper, give me your suggestions, and at tip-off we’ll have a decision made.” It’s partly frustrating to the veteran head coach because it’s basically the only question media members can come up with during BYU week. But it’s also frustrating to Fisher because he just flat out doesn’t know the answer. “Nobody nationally has been able to stop him,” Fisher said of Fredette. “And we’ve had trouble stopping him.” There’s no magic zone defense or supernatural man defense that can put Fredette down. It’s strange to most basketball pundits too because Fredette redefines the typical best-basketball-player-in-the-country stereotype. Fredette is 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighs 195 pounds. He’s not overtly big, strong, physical or athletic. He doesn’t have the soaring dunks or the killer crossover or the bigname school across his chest. He just has little-brother looks and a killer 3-point shot. But according to D.J. Gay, it’s his intangibles that make him such a filthy basketball player.
“His knowing that he can get a shot off at will and his ability to knock down hard shots makes him a tough guard,” the senior guard said. “When somebody has confidence like that and just knows or believes that every shot he takes is going in, and he has the freedom to do so, that makes somebody a dangerous guard.” Fredette leads the NCAA Division I world in scoring, averaging 26.7 points per game. He’s posted two 40-plus-point games in his last three outings and has topped 30 or more points in six games this season. His lowest scoring game came against Fresno Pacific, when he played just 22 minutes yet still managed to drop 13 points in a 36-point blowout. But as good as he’s been against the nation, he’s been an Aztec killer. In his career against SDSU, Fredette is 6-2 and has never lost to an Aztec team in Provo, Utah. “He’s unflappable,” Fisher said of Fredette. “People cannot appreciate how good he is. He’s lightning-quick with the ball; he can create his own shots, he’s got a tremendously high basketball IQ, and he never loses his focus or composure.” If SDSU was ever going to knock off Fredette and the Cougars in the Marriott Center, this has to be the year. The Aztecs climbed up to No. 4 in both major college basketball polls on Monday and know if they can beat No. 9 BYU in Provo, a No. 1 ranking might not be farfetched. “I think this game is either going to be an `I told you so’ or a `Wow, they really are that good,’” Gay said. “That’s what this game is going to come down to.”
AT A GLANCE
VS.
W H E N : 7 p.m., PT W H E R E : Provo, Utah W H Y T O W A T C H : It’s a legitimate Top 10 matchup in the Mountain
West Conference.
File Photo
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
AT A GLANCE
VS.
W H E N : 7 p.m. W H E R E: Viejas Arena W H Y T O W A T C H : The Aztecs will try to get back in contention in the
MWC.
BEHIND THE NUMBERS
Every conference match has been decided by three points or less this season SPONSORED BY
FOR SDSU WOMEN’S BASKETBALL 8
Wins for SDSU this season
9
Losses for the Aztecs
15.2
Points per game for senior center Paris Johnson
8.3
Rebounds per game for Johnson
6.4
Assists per game for senior guard Coco Davis
11
Conference games remaining for SDSU
12
Wins for BYU this season
7
ELI BALDRIGE Advanced Test Preparation
Losses for the Cougars
Advanced Test Preparation
SDSU games not for the faint of heart
Score Higher, Aztecs!
S TA F F W R I T E R
Do not watch the San Diego State women’s basketball team if you are weakhearted. The down-to-the-wire, exciting finishes may be too much for you. Since starting conference play on Jan. 5, SDSU (8-9, 2-3 Mountain West Conference) has only been in contests decided by three points or less. The Aztecs opened conference play with a two-point loss to TCU, which now leads the conference with a perfect 6-0 record. A few days later, SDSU took Utah to overtime, but lost by three. Since the 0-2 start in league play, the Aztecs have improved, winning two of their last three games. It has been senior center Paris Johnson who has been putting up career numbers and leading SDSU in several statistics. She
averages more than eight rebounds and 15 points per game, both team-highs. However, it really has been a joint effort from SDSU with a variety of players, including Courtney Clements, Jessika Bradley and Coco Davis, who are averaging more than eight points a game and have all stepped up in crucial points during these close conference games. The Aztecs expect another close game when they take on BYU (12-7, 4-1 MWC) at Viejas Arena tonight. As the men’s teams from each respective school will be in the national spotlight when they clash in Provo, Utah, a tight battle will be sure to ensue in San Diego, as SDSU has already shown it can play close with any team in the conference. If the Aztecs are going to beat the second-place team in the conference, they must contain Cougar guard Mindy Bonham, who leads the team in scoring and is shooting more than 43 percent from the field. Johnson should have an advantage down low for SDSU, as she will statistically be the best rebounder and scorer in tonight’s game. No matter the result, the Aztecs will probably be in a close one down the stretch.
2
SPORTS
The Daily Aztec
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
MEN’S BASKETBALL
Fisher must find way to jam BYU’s Jimmer EDWARD LEWIS SPORTS EDITOR
San Diego State men’s basketball head coach Steve Fisher was tired of it. Over and over and over again, people asked him, “Who’s going to guard BYU superstar Jimmer Fredette tonight in the Marriott Center?” He had finally had enough of the question. So much so, he decided to get cute with the inquisitive media pestering him. “Pull out your pen,” Fisher said to the questioners. “Use a napkin or a piece of paper, give me your suggestions, and at tip-off we’ll have a decision made.” It’s partly frustrating to the veteran head coach because it’s basically the only question media members can come up with during BYU week. But it’s also frustrating to Fisher because he just flat out doesn’t know the answer. “Nobody nationally has been able to stop him,” Fisher said of Fredette. “And we’ve had trouble stopping him.” There’s no magic zone defense or supernatural man defense that can put Fredette down. It’s strange to most basketball pundits too because Fredette redefines the typical best-basketball-player-in-the-country stereotype. Fredette is 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighs 195 pounds. He’s not overtly big, strong, physical or athletic. He doesn’t have the soaring dunks or the killer crossover or the bigname school across his chest. He just has little-brother looks and a killer 3-point shot. But according to D.J. Gay, it’s his intangibles that make him such a filthy basketball player.
“His knowing that he can get a shot off at will and his ability to knock down hard shots makes him a tough guard,” the senior guard said. “When somebody has confidence like that and just knows or believes that every shot he takes is going in, and he has the freedom to do so, that makes somebody a dangerous guard.” Fredette leads the NCAA Division I world in scoring, averaging 26.7 points per game. He’s posted two 40-plus-point games in his last three outings and has topped 30 or more points in six games this season. His lowest scoring game came against Fresno Pacific, when he played just 22 minutes yet still managed to drop 13 points in a 36-point blowout. But as good as he’s been against the nation, he’s been an Aztec killer. In his career against SDSU, Fredette is 6-2 and has never lost to an Aztec team in Provo, Utah. “He’s unflappable,” Fisher said of Fredette. “People cannot appreciate how good he is. He’s lightning-quick with the ball; he can create his own shots, he’s got a tremendously high basketball IQ, and he never loses his focus or composure.” If SDSU was ever going to knock off Fredette and the Cougars in the Marriott Center, this has to be the year. The Aztecs climbed up to No. 4 in both major college basketball polls on Monday and know if they can beat No. 9 BYU in Provo, a No. 1 ranking might not be farfetched. “I think this game is either going to be an `I told you so’ or a `Wow, they really are that good,’” Gay said. “That’s what this game is going to come down to.”
AT A GLANCE
VS.
W H E N : 7 p.m., PT W H E R E : Provo, Utah W H Y T O W A T C H : It’s a legitimate Top 10 matchup in the Mountain
West Conference.
File Photo
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
AT A GLANCE
VS.
W H E N : 7 p.m. W H E R E: Viejas Arena W H Y T O W A T C H : The Aztecs will try to get back in contention in the
MWC.
BEHIND THE NUMBERS
Every conference match has been decided by three points or less this season SPONSORED BY
FOR SDSU WOMEN’S BASKETBALL 8
Wins for SDSU this season
9
Losses for the Aztecs
15.2
Points per game for senior center Paris Johnson
8.3
Rebounds per game for Johnson
6.4
Assists per game for senior guard Coco Davis
11
Conference games remaining for SDSU
12
Wins for BYU this season
7
ELI BALDRIGE Advanced Test Preparation
Losses for the Cougars
Advanced Test Preparation
SDSU games not for the faint of heart
Score Higher, Aztecs!
S TA F F W R I T E R
Do not watch the San Diego State women’s basketball team if you are weakhearted. The down-to-the-wire, exciting finishes may be too much for you. Since starting conference play on Jan. 5, SDSU (8-9, 2-3 Mountain West Conference) has only been in contests decided by three points or less. The Aztecs opened conference play with a two-point loss to TCU, which now leads the conference with a perfect 6-0 record. A few days later, SDSU took Utah to overtime, but lost by three. Since the 0-2 start in league play, the Aztecs have improved, winning two of their last three games. It has been senior center Paris Johnson who has been putting up career numbers and leading SDSU in several statistics. She
averages more than eight rebounds and 15 points per game, both team-highs. However, it really has been a joint effort from SDSU with a variety of players, including Courtney Clements, Jessika Bradley and Coco Davis, who are averaging more than eight points a game and have all stepped up in crucial points during these close conference games. The Aztecs expect another close game when they take on BYU (12-7, 4-1 MWC) at Viejas Arena tonight. As the men’s teams from each respective school will be in the national spotlight when they clash in Provo, Utah, a tight battle will be sure to ensue in San Diego, as SDSU has already shown it can play close with any team in the conference. If the Aztecs are going to beat the second-place team in the conference, they must contain Cougar guard Mindy Bonham, who leads the team in scoring and is shooting more than 43 percent from the field. Johnson should have an advantage down low for SDSU, as she will statistically be the best rebounder and scorer in tonight’s game. No matter the result, the Aztecs will probably be in a close one down the stretch.
2
SPORTS
The Daily Aztec
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
MEN’S BASKETBALL
Fisher must find way to jam BYU’s Jimmer EDWARD LEWIS SPORTS EDITOR
San Diego State men’s basketball head coach Steve Fisher was tired of it. Over and over and over again, people asked him, “Who’s going to guard BYU superstar Jimmer Fredette tonight in the Marriott Center?” He had finally had enough of the question. So much so, he decided to get cute with the inquisitive media pestering him. “Pull out your pen,” Fisher said to the questioners. “Use a napkin or a piece of paper, give me your suggestions, and at tip-off we’ll have a decision made.” It’s partly frustrating to the veteran head coach because it’s basically the only question media members can come up with during BYU week. But it’s also frustrating to Fisher because he just flat out doesn’t know the answer. “Nobody nationally has been able to stop him,” Fisher said of Fredette. “And we’ve had trouble stopping him.” There’s no magic zone defense or supernatural man defense that can put Fredette down. It’s strange to most basketball pundits too because Fredette redefines the typical best-basketball-player-in-the-country stereotype. Fredette is 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighs 195 pounds. He’s not overtly big, strong, physical or athletic. He doesn’t have the soaring dunks or the killer crossover or the bigname school across his chest. He just has little-brother looks and a killer 3-point shot. But according to D.J. Gay, it’s his intangibles that make him such a filthy basketball player.
“His knowing that he can get a shot off at will and his ability to knock down hard shots makes him a tough guard,” the senior guard said. “When somebody has confidence like that and just knows or believes that every shot he takes is going in, and he has the freedom to do so, that makes somebody a dangerous guard.” Fredette leads the NCAA Division I world in scoring, averaging 26.7 points per game. He’s posted two 40-plus-point games in his last three outings and has topped 30 or more points in six games this season. His lowest scoring game came against Fresno Pacific, when he played just 22 minutes yet still managed to drop 13 points in a 36-point blowout. But as good as he’s been against the nation, he’s been an Aztec killer. In his career against SDSU, Fredette is 6-2 and has never lost to an Aztec team in Provo, Utah. “He’s unflappable,” Fisher said of Fredette. “People cannot appreciate how good he is. He’s lightning-quick with the ball; he can create his own shots, he’s got a tremendously high basketball IQ, and he never loses his focus or composure.” If SDSU was ever going to knock off Fredette and the Cougars in the Marriott Center, this has to be the year. The Aztecs climbed up to No. 4 in both major college basketball polls on Monday and know if they can beat No. 9 BYU in Provo, a No. 1 ranking might not be farfetched. “I think this game is either going to be an `I told you so’ or a `Wow, they really are that good,’” Gay said. “That’s what this game is going to come down to.”
AT A GLANCE
VS.
W H E N : 7 p.m., PT W H E R E : Provo, Utah W H Y T O W A T C H : It’s a legitimate Top 10 matchup in the Mountain
West Conference.
File Photo
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
AT A GLANCE
VS.
W H E N : 7 p.m. W H E R E: Viejas Arena W H Y T O W A T C H : The Aztecs will try to get back in contention in the
MWC.
BEHIND THE NUMBERS
Every conference match has been decided by three points or less this season SPONSORED BY
FOR SDSU WOMEN’S BASKETBALL 8
Wins for SDSU this season
9
Losses for the Aztecs
15.2
Points per game for senior center Paris Johnson
8.3
Rebounds per game for Johnson
6.4
Assists per game for senior guard Coco Davis
11
Conference games remaining for SDSU
12
Wins for BYU this season
7
ELI BALDRIGE Advanced Test Preparation
Losses for the Cougars
Advanced Test Preparation
SDSU games not for the faint of heart
Score Higher, Aztecs!
S TA F F W R I T E R
Do not watch the San Diego State women’s basketball team if you are weakhearted. The down-to-the-wire, exciting finishes may be too much for you. Since starting conference play on Jan. 5, SDSU (8-9, 2-3 Mountain West Conference) has only been in contests decided by three points or less. The Aztecs opened conference play with a two-point loss to TCU, which now leads the conference with a perfect 6-0 record. A few days later, SDSU took Utah to overtime, but lost by three. Since the 0-2 start in league play, the Aztecs have improved, winning two of their last three games. It has been senior center Paris Johnson who has been putting up career numbers and leading SDSU in several statistics. She
averages more than eight rebounds and 15 points per game, both team-highs. However, it really has been a joint effort from SDSU with a variety of players, including Courtney Clements, Jessika Bradley and Coco Davis, who are averaging more than eight points a game and have all stepped up in crucial points during these close conference games. The Aztecs expect another close game when they take on BYU (12-7, 4-1 MWC) at Viejas Arena tonight. As the men’s teams from each respective school will be in the national spotlight when they clash in Provo, Utah, a tight battle will be sure to ensue in San Diego, as SDSU has already shown it can play close with any team in the conference. If the Aztecs are going to beat the second-place team in the conference, they must contain Cougar guard Mindy Bonham, who leads the team in scoring and is shooting more than 43 percent from the field. Johnson should have an advantage down low for SDSU, as she will statistically be the best rebounder and scorer in tonight’s game. No matter the result, the Aztecs will probably be in a close one down the stretch.
2
SPORTS
The Daily Aztec
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
MEN’S BASKETBALL
Fisher must find way to jam BYU’s Jimmer EDWARD LEWIS SPORTS EDITOR
San Diego State men’s basketball head coach Steve Fisher was tired of it. Over and over and over again, people asked him, “Who’s going to guard BYU superstar Jimmer Fredette tonight in the Marriott Center?” He had finally had enough of the question. So much so, he decided to get cute with the inquisitive media pestering him. “Pull out your pen,” Fisher said to the questioners. “Use a napkin or a piece of paper, give me your suggestions, and at tip-off we’ll have a decision made.” It’s partly frustrating to the veteran head coach because it’s basically the only question media members can come up with during BYU week. But it’s also frustrating to Fisher because he just flat out doesn’t know the answer. “Nobody nationally has been able to stop him,” Fisher said of Fredette. “And we’ve had trouble stopping him.” There’s no magic zone defense or supernatural man defense that can put Fredette down. It’s strange to most basketball pundits too because Fredette redefines the typical best-basketball-player-in-the-country stereotype. Fredette is 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighs 195 pounds. He’s not overtly big, strong, physical or athletic. He doesn’t have the soaring dunks or the killer crossover or the bigname school across his chest. He just has little-brother looks and a killer 3-point shot. But according to D.J. Gay, it’s his intangibles that make him such a filthy basketball player.
“His knowing that he can get a shot off at will and his ability to knock down hard shots makes him a tough guard,” the senior guard said. “When somebody has confidence like that and just knows or believes that every shot he takes is going in, and he has the freedom to do so, that makes somebody a dangerous guard.” Fredette leads the NCAA Division I world in scoring, averaging 26.7 points per game. He’s posted two 40-plus-point games in his last three outings and has topped 30 or more points in six games this season. His lowest scoring game came against Fresno Pacific, when he played just 22 minutes yet still managed to drop 13 points in a 36-point blowout. But as good as he’s been against the nation, he’s been an Aztec killer. In his career against SDSU, Fredette is 6-2 and has never lost to an Aztec team in Provo, Utah. “He’s unflappable,” Fisher said of Fredette. “People cannot appreciate how good he is. He’s lightning-quick with the ball; he can create his own shots, he’s got a tremendously high basketball IQ, and he never loses his focus or composure.” If SDSU was ever going to knock off Fredette and the Cougars in the Marriott Center, this has to be the year. The Aztecs climbed up to No. 4 in both major college basketball polls on Monday and know if they can beat No. 9 BYU in Provo, a No. 1 ranking might not be farfetched. “I think this game is either going to be an `I told you so’ or a `Wow, they really are that good,’” Gay said. “That’s what this game is going to come down to.”
AT A GLANCE
VS.
W H E N : 7 p.m., PT W H E R E : Provo, Utah W H Y T O W A T C H : It’s a legitimate Top 10 matchup in the Mountain
West Conference.
File Photo
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
AT A GLANCE
VS.
W H E N : 7 p.m. W H E R E: Viejas Arena W H Y T O W A T C H : The Aztecs will try to get back in contention in the
MWC.
BEHIND THE NUMBERS
Every conference match has been decided by three points or less this season SPONSORED BY
FOR SDSU WOMEN’S BASKETBALL 8
Wins for SDSU this season
9
Losses for the Aztecs
15.2
Points per game for senior center Paris Johnson
8.3
Rebounds per game for Johnson
6.4
Assists per game for senior guard Coco Davis
11
Conference games remaining for SDSU
12
Wins for BYU this season
7
ELI BALDRIGE Advanced Test Preparation
Losses for the Cougars
Advanced Test Preparation
SDSU games not for the faint of heart
Score Higher, Aztecs!
S TA F F W R I T E R
Do not watch the San Diego State women’s basketball team if you are weakhearted. The down-to-the-wire, exciting finishes may be too much for you. Since starting conference play on Jan. 5, SDSU (8-9, 2-3 Mountain West Conference) has only been in contests decided by three points or less. The Aztecs opened conference play with a two-point loss to TCU, which now leads the conference with a perfect 6-0 record. A few days later, SDSU took Utah to overtime, but lost by three. Since the 0-2 start in league play, the Aztecs have improved, winning two of their last three games. It has been senior center Paris Johnson who has been putting up career numbers and leading SDSU in several statistics. She
averages more than eight rebounds and 15 points per game, both team-highs. However, it really has been a joint effort from SDSU with a variety of players, including Courtney Clements, Jessika Bradley and Coco Davis, who are averaging more than eight points a game and have all stepped up in crucial points during these close conference games. The Aztecs expect another close game when they take on BYU (12-7, 4-1 MWC) at Viejas Arena tonight. As the men’s teams from each respective school will be in the national spotlight when they clash in Provo, Utah, a tight battle will be sure to ensue in San Diego, as SDSU has already shown it can play close with any team in the conference. If the Aztecs are going to beat the second-place team in the conference, they must contain Cougar guard Mindy Bonham, who leads the team in scoring and is shooting more than 43 percent from the field. Johnson should have an advantage down low for SDSU, as she will statistically be the best rebounder and scorer in tonight’s game. No matter the result, the Aztecs will probably be in a close one down the stretch.
2
SPORTS
The Daily Aztec
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
MEN’S BASKETBALL
Fisher must find way to jam BYU’s Jimmer EDWARD LEWIS SPORTS EDITOR
San Diego State men’s basketball head coach Steve Fisher was tired of it. Over and over and over again, people asked him, “Who’s going to guard BYU superstar Jimmer Fredette tonight in the Marriott Center?” He had finally had enough of the question. So much so, he decided to get cute with the inquisitive media pestering him. “Pull out your pen,” Fisher said to the questioners. “Use a napkin or a piece of paper, give me your suggestions, and at tip-off we’ll have a decision made.” It’s partly frustrating to the veteran head coach because it’s basically the only question media members can come up with during BYU week. But it’s also frustrating to Fisher because he just flat out doesn’t know the answer. “Nobody nationally has been able to stop him,” Fisher said of Fredette. “And we’ve had trouble stopping him.” There’s no magic zone defense or supernatural man defense that can put Fredette down. It’s strange to most basketball pundits too because Fredette redefines the typical best-basketball-player-in-the-country stereotype. Fredette is 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighs 195 pounds. He’s not overtly big, strong, physical or athletic. He doesn’t have the soaring dunks or the killer crossover or the bigname school across his chest. He just has little-brother looks and a killer 3-point shot. But according to D.J. Gay, it’s his intangibles that make him such a filthy basketball player.
“His knowing that he can get a shot off at will and his ability to knock down hard shots makes him a tough guard,” the senior guard said. “When somebody has confidence like that and just knows or believes that every shot he takes is going in, and he has the freedom to do so, that makes somebody a dangerous guard.” Fredette leads the NCAA Division I world in scoring, averaging 26.7 points per game. He’s posted two 40-plus-point games in his last three outings and has topped 30 or more points in six games this season. His lowest scoring game came against Fresno Pacific, when he played just 22 minutes yet still managed to drop 13 points in a 36-point blowout. But as good as he’s been against the nation, he’s been an Aztec killer. In his career against SDSU, Fredette is 6-2 and has never lost to an Aztec team in Provo, Utah. “He’s unflappable,” Fisher said of Fredette. “People cannot appreciate how good he is. He’s lightning-quick with the ball; he can create his own shots, he’s got a tremendously high basketball IQ, and he never loses his focus or composure.” If SDSU was ever going to knock off Fredette and the Cougars in the Marriott Center, this has to be the year. The Aztecs climbed up to No. 4 in both major college basketball polls on Monday and know if they can beat No. 9 BYU in Provo, a No. 1 ranking might not be farfetched. “I think this game is either going to be an `I told you so’ or a `Wow, they really are that good,’” Gay said. “That’s what this game is going to come down to.”
AT A GLANCE
VS.
W H E N : 7 p.m., PT W H E R E : Provo, Utah W H Y T O W A T C H : It’s a legitimate Top 10 matchup in the Mountain
West Conference.
File Photo
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
AT A GLANCE
VS.
W H E N : 7 p.m. W H E R E: Viejas Arena W H Y T O W A T C H : The Aztecs will try to get back in contention in the
MWC.
BEHIND THE NUMBERS
Every conference match has been decided by three points or less this season SPONSORED BY
FOR SDSU WOMEN’S BASKETBALL 8
Wins for SDSU this season
9
Losses for the Aztecs
15.2
Points per game for senior center Paris Johnson
8.3
Rebounds per game for Johnson
6.4
Assists per game for senior guard Coco Davis
11
Conference games remaining for SDSU
12
Wins for BYU this season
7
ELI BALDRIGE Advanced Test Preparation
Losses for the Cougars
Advanced Test Preparation
SDSU games not for the faint of heart
Score Higher, Aztecs!
S TA F F W R I T E R
Do not watch the San Diego State women’s basketball team if you are weakhearted. The down-to-the-wire, exciting finishes may be too much for you. Since starting conference play on Jan. 5, SDSU (8-9, 2-3 Mountain West Conference) has only been in contests decided by three points or less. The Aztecs opened conference play with a two-point loss to TCU, which now leads the conference with a perfect 6-0 record. A few days later, SDSU took Utah to overtime, but lost by three. Since the 0-2 start in league play, the Aztecs have improved, winning two of their last three games. It has been senior center Paris Johnson who has been putting up career numbers and leading SDSU in several statistics. She
averages more than eight rebounds and 15 points per game, both team-highs. However, it really has been a joint effort from SDSU with a variety of players, including Courtney Clements, Jessika Bradley and Coco Davis, who are averaging more than eight points a game and have all stepped up in crucial points during these close conference games. The Aztecs expect another close game when they take on BYU (12-7, 4-1 MWC) at Viejas Arena tonight. As the men’s teams from each respective school will be in the national spotlight when they clash in Provo, Utah, a tight battle will be sure to ensue in San Diego, as SDSU has already shown it can play close with any team in the conference. If the Aztecs are going to beat the second-place team in the conference, they must contain Cougar guard Mindy Bonham, who leads the team in scoring and is shooting more than 43 percent from the field. Johnson should have an advantage down low for SDSU, as she will statistically be the best rebounder and scorer in tonight’s game. No matter the result, the Aztecs will probably be in a close one down the stretch.
2
SPORTS
The Daily Aztec
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
MEN’S BASKETBALL
Fisher must find way to jam BYU’s Jimmer EDWARD LEWIS SPORTS EDITOR
San Diego State men’s basketball head coach Steve Fisher was tired of it. Over and over and over again, people asked him, “Who’s going to guard BYU superstar Jimmer Fredette tonight in the Marriott Center?” He had finally had enough of the question. So much so, he decided to get cute with the inquisitive media pestering him. “Pull out your pen,” Fisher said to the questioners. “Use a napkin or a piece of paper, give me your suggestions, and at tip-off we’ll have a decision made.” It’s partly frustrating to the veteran head coach because it’s basically the only question media members can come up with during BYU week. But it’s also frustrating to Fisher because he just flat out doesn’t know the answer. “Nobody nationally has been able to stop him,” Fisher said of Fredette. “And we’ve had trouble stopping him.” There’s no magic zone defense or supernatural man defense that can put Fredette down. It’s strange to most basketball pundits too because Fredette redefines the typical best-basketball-player-in-the-country stereotype. Fredette is 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighs 195 pounds. He’s not overtly big, strong, physical or athletic. He doesn’t have the soaring dunks or the killer crossover or the bigname school across his chest. He just has little-brother looks and a killer 3-point shot. But according to D.J. Gay, it’s his intangibles that make him such a filthy basketball player.
“His knowing that he can get a shot off at will and his ability to knock down hard shots makes him a tough guard,” the senior guard said. “When somebody has confidence like that and just knows or believes that every shot he takes is going in, and he has the freedom to do so, that makes somebody a dangerous guard.” Fredette leads the NCAA Division I world in scoring, averaging 26.7 points per game. He’s posted two 40-plus-point games in his last three outings and has topped 30 or more points in six games this season. His lowest scoring game came against Fresno Pacific, when he played just 22 minutes yet still managed to drop 13 points in a 36-point blowout. But as good as he’s been against the nation, he’s been an Aztec killer. In his career against SDSU, Fredette is 6-2 and has never lost to an Aztec team in Provo, Utah. “He’s unflappable,” Fisher said of Fredette. “People cannot appreciate how good he is. He’s lightning-quick with the ball; he can create his own shots, he’s got a tremendously high basketball IQ, and he never loses his focus or composure.” If SDSU was ever going to knock off Fredette and the Cougars in the Marriott Center, this has to be the year. The Aztecs climbed up to No. 4 in both major college basketball polls on Monday and know if they can beat No. 9 BYU in Provo, a No. 1 ranking might not be farfetched. “I think this game is either going to be an `I told you so’ or a `Wow, they really are that good,’” Gay said. “That’s what this game is going to come down to.”
AT A GLANCE
VS.
W H E N : 7 p.m., PT W H E R E : Provo, Utah W H Y T O W A T C H : It’s a legitimate Top 10 matchup in the Mountain
West Conference.
File Photo
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
AT A GLANCE
VS.
W H E N : 7 p.m. W H E R E: Viejas Arena W H Y T O W A T C H : The Aztecs will try to get back in contention in the
MWC.
BEHIND THE NUMBERS
Every conference match has been decided by three points or less this season SPONSORED BY
FOR SDSU WOMEN’S BASKETBALL 8
Wins for SDSU this season
9
Losses for the Aztecs
15.2
Points per game for senior center Paris Johnson
8.3
Rebounds per game for Johnson
6.4
Assists per game for senior guard Coco Davis
11
Conference games remaining for SDSU
12
Wins for BYU this season
7
ELI BALDRIGE Advanced Test Preparation
Losses for the Cougars
Advanced Test Preparation
SDSU games not for the faint of heart
Score Higher, Aztecs!
S TA F F W R I T E R
Do not watch the San Diego State women’s basketball team if you are weakhearted. The down-to-the-wire, exciting finishes may be too much for you. Since starting conference play on Jan. 5, SDSU (8-9, 2-3 Mountain West Conference) has only been in contests decided by three points or less. The Aztecs opened conference play with a two-point loss to TCU, which now leads the conference with a perfect 6-0 record. A few days later, SDSU took Utah to overtime, but lost by three. Since the 0-2 start in league play, the Aztecs have improved, winning two of their last three games. It has been senior center Paris Johnson who has been putting up career numbers and leading SDSU in several statistics. She
averages more than eight rebounds and 15 points per game, both team-highs. However, it really has been a joint effort from SDSU with a variety of players, including Courtney Clements, Jessika Bradley and Coco Davis, who are averaging more than eight points a game and have all stepped up in crucial points during these close conference games. The Aztecs expect another close game when they take on BYU (12-7, 4-1 MWC) at Viejas Arena tonight. As the men’s teams from each respective school will be in the national spotlight when they clash in Provo, Utah, a tight battle will be sure to ensue in San Diego, as SDSU has already shown it can play close with any team in the conference. If the Aztecs are going to beat the second-place team in the conference, they must contain Cougar guard Mindy Bonham, who leads the team in scoring and is shooting more than 43 percent from the field. Johnson should have an advantage down low for SDSU, as she will statistically be the best rebounder and scorer in tonight’s game. No matter the result, the Aztecs will probably be in a close one down the stretch.
2
SPORTS
The Daily Aztec
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
MEN’S BASKETBALL
Fisher must find way to jam BYU’s Jimmer EDWARD LEWIS SPORTS EDITOR
San Diego State men’s basketball head coach Steve Fisher was tired of it. Over and over and over again, people asked him, “Who’s going to guard BYU superstar Jimmer Fredette tonight in the Marriott Center?” He had finally had enough of the question. So much so, he decided to get cute with the inquisitive media pestering him. “Pull out your pen,” Fisher said to the questioners. “Use a napkin or a piece of paper, give me your suggestions, and at tip-off we’ll have a decision made.” It’s partly frustrating to the veteran head coach because it’s basically the only question media members can come up with during BYU week. But it’s also frustrating to Fisher because he just flat out doesn’t know the answer. “Nobody nationally has been able to stop him,” Fisher said of Fredette. “And we’ve had trouble stopping him.” There’s no magic zone defense or supernatural man defense that can put Fredette down. It’s strange to most basketball pundits too because Fredette redefines the typical best-basketball-player-in-the-country stereotype. Fredette is 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighs 195 pounds. He’s not overtly big, strong, physical or athletic. He doesn’t have the soaring dunks or the killer crossover or the bigname school across his chest. He just has little-brother looks and a killer 3-point shot. But according to D.J. Gay, it’s his intangibles that make him such a filthy basketball player.
“His knowing that he can get a shot off at will and his ability to knock down hard shots makes him a tough guard,” the senior guard said. “When somebody has confidence like that and just knows or believes that every shot he takes is going in, and he has the freedom to do so, that makes somebody a dangerous guard.” Fredette leads the NCAA Division I world in scoring, averaging 26.7 points per game. He’s posted two 40-plus-point games in his last three outings and has topped 30 or more points in six games this season. His lowest scoring game came against Fresno Pacific, when he played just 22 minutes yet still managed to drop 13 points in a 36-point blowout. But as good as he’s been against the nation, he’s been an Aztec killer. In his career against SDSU, Fredette is 6-2 and has never lost to an Aztec team in Provo, Utah. “He’s unflappable,” Fisher said of Fredette. “People cannot appreciate how good he is. He’s lightning-quick with the ball; he can create his own shots, he’s got a tremendously high basketball IQ, and he never loses his focus or composure.” If SDSU was ever going to knock off Fredette and the Cougars in the Marriott Center, this has to be the year. The Aztecs climbed up to No. 4 in both major college basketball polls on Monday and know if they can beat No. 9 BYU in Provo, a No. 1 ranking might not be farfetched. “I think this game is either going to be an `I told you so’ or a `Wow, they really are that good,’” Gay said. “That’s what this game is going to come down to.”
AT A GLANCE
VS.
W H E N : 7 p.m., PT W H E R E : Provo, Utah W H Y T O W A T C H : It’s a legitimate Top 10 matchup in the Mountain
West Conference.
File Photo
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
AT A GLANCE
VS.
W H E N : 7 p.m. W H E R E: Viejas Arena W H Y T O W A T C H : The Aztecs will try to get back in contention in the
MWC.
BEHIND THE NUMBERS
Every conference match has been decided by three points or less this season SPONSORED BY
FOR SDSU WOMEN’S BASKETBALL 8
Wins for SDSU this season
9
Losses for the Aztecs
15.2
Points per game for senior center Paris Johnson
8.3
Rebounds per game for Johnson
6.4
Assists per game for senior guard Coco Davis
11
Conference games remaining for SDSU
12
Wins for BYU this season
7
ELI BALDRIGE Advanced Test Preparation
Losses for the Cougars
Advanced Test Preparation
SDSU games not for the faint of heart
Score Higher, Aztecs!
S TA F F W R I T E R
Do not watch the San Diego State women’s basketball team if you are weakhearted. The down-to-the-wire, exciting finishes may be too much for you. Since starting conference play on Jan. 5, SDSU (8-9, 2-3 Mountain West Conference) has only been in contests decided by three points or less. The Aztecs opened conference play with a two-point loss to TCU, which now leads the conference with a perfect 6-0 record. A few days later, SDSU took Utah to overtime, but lost by three. Since the 0-2 start in league play, the Aztecs have improved, winning two of their last three games. It has been senior center Paris Johnson who has been putting up career numbers and leading SDSU in several statistics. She
averages more than eight rebounds and 15 points per game, both team-highs. However, it really has been a joint effort from SDSU with a variety of players, including Courtney Clements, Jessika Bradley and Coco Davis, who are averaging more than eight points a game and have all stepped up in crucial points during these close conference games. The Aztecs expect another close game when they take on BYU (12-7, 4-1 MWC) at Viejas Arena tonight. As the men’s teams from each respective school will be in the national spotlight when they clash in Provo, Utah, a tight battle will be sure to ensue in San Diego, as SDSU has already shown it can play close with any team in the conference. If the Aztecs are going to beat the second-place team in the conference, they must contain Cougar guard Mindy Bonham, who leads the team in scoring and is shooting more than 43 percent from the field. Johnson should have an advantage down low for SDSU, as she will statistically be the best rebounder and scorer in tonight’s game. No matter the result, the Aztecs will probably be in a close one down the stretch.