(Image Credit: IMAGN) Mar 18, 2025; Dayton, OH, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Seth Trimble (7) dribbles the ball defended by San Diego State Aztecs guard Kimo Ferrari (23) in the second half at UD Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Dayton, Ohio – North Carolina had something to prove, and they made their point loud and clear. After facing heavy criticism for snagging the final spot in the NCAA Tournament, the Tar Heels put on a show in Tuesday’s First Four matchup, steamrolling San Diego State 95-68.
For the Aztecs, it was an abrupt and brutal end to a season filled with perseverance. Despite battling injuries, they managed to reach the tournament for the fifth straight year. But against North Carolina, it wasn’t even close.
From the opening tip, UNC set the tone. The Tar Heels torched one of the nation’s toughest defenses, shooting 52.6% from the field and draining 14 of their 24 three-point attempts. Senior guard RJ Davis led the charge with 26 points, going a perfect 6-for-6 from deep.
Meanwhile, San Diego State couldn’t find any rhythm offensively. North Carolina handed them early opportunities, coughing up six turnovers in the first five and a half minutes. But the Aztecs only managed two points off those mistakes. By halftime, they were staring at a 24-point deficit, and the game was effectively over.
San Diego State’s shooting woes continued throughout the night, hitting just 23 of 58 attempts and a dismal eight of 27 from three-point range. They were also outmuscled on the glass, losing the rebounding battle 39-28.
Nick Boyd and Wayne McKinney led SDSU with 12 points each, while Magoon Gwath—playing for the first time since suffering a knee injury in February—chipped in nine points, five rebounds, and two blocks.
Head coach Brian Dutcher’s squad had reached back-to-back Sweet 16s, including a trip to the national championship in 2023. This early exit stings, but there’s still optimism for the future.
Reese Waters, the team’s top returning player, is expected to be back next season. Boyd has another year of eligibility, and Miles Byrd plans to test NBA interest while staying out of the transfer portal. The biggest wildcard is Gwath, a 7-footer who dominated the Mountain West as both Freshman of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year. With his unique skill set, he could attract major offers in the transfer portal or test his NBA potential.
For now, San Diego State is left wondering what could have been, while North Carolina moves forward, proving they’re not just in the tournament—they’re here to make noise.
