SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - San Diego State University's men's basketball team has returned to the top ten in the national polls for the first time in five years, reaching number seven in the AP and Coach's Polls released Monday.
The Aztecs are 15-0 to start the season, making them one of just two undefeated teams remaining in Division One. The other team is Auburn.
Head Coach Brian Dutcher says the team is handling the success well, refusing to be distracted. He told 10News that the growing buzz about his team is reminiscent of the program's glory years at the beginning of the decade, when rising star Kawhi Leonard led the team to conference championships and a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.
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"It makes a difference," Dutcher said. "It makes a difference in winning and losing. We're excited when this building is full. Hopefully it will be that way for the rest of the year."
"Our student section is growing more and more," junior forward Matt Mitchell told 10News. "They're starting to be more and more active. It only helps the city and helps the program and helps the university."
The team's next home game, Saturday versus Boise State, sold out Monday afternoon. A spokesperson says they anticipate that sellouts are likely for the team's other six remaining home games as long as the winning streak continues.
