Brian Dutcher opens up on pace of play vs. Alabama

Two different styles of play will take the court on Friday evening. Alabama will be looking to speed things up and get quick shots off. San Diego State wants the complete offense, wanting to run their half-court offense and execute at a high level. Both coaches will spend most of the first half attempting to establish their pace, especially SDSU’s Brian Dutcher.

If the Aztecs are able to get out in transition, Dutcher wants his teams to take advantage whenever they deem necessary. They are never going to be able to win a track meet against Alabama but getting a few buckets on the break would be a major benefit. Consistently defending well is where Dutcher sees the real key though.

“Yeah, obviously, we would like to run selectively,” Dutcher said. “You know, if we get a break, we’re going to run. We’re not going to pull the ball out and slow the game down. But at the same time, we have to convert defensively. We to build walls and try not to let them get up and down the floor on us.”

San Diego State has not been in too many high-scoring games that have been close. A late November matchup against Ohio State would be the best example, earning an 88-77 win. Most times out, the Aztecs have kept everything low-scoring and at a pace they are comfortable at.

Dutcher believes if the game is played his team is set up to, they will be moving onto the Elite Eight. Actually going out there and executing will be tough but the head coach is confident in his guys.

“I don’t think we’ll try to play a Gonzaga game where it’s 100-90 final score,” Dutcher said. “We play good defense. We’ll try to control the tempo. And like I always say, if we can turn it into a half-court game — and this is no matter who we play, Mountain West games, whatever — you know, I like our chances in a half-court game.”

Alabama currently averages 82.3 points per game, the fifth most in the country. There have been times this season when you could blink and the Crimson Tide has put nine points in your face. Whether they are forcing turnovers or just executing at a high level, the No. 1 overall seed has the honor for a reason.

Tip-off is scheduled for 6:30 ET in Louisville in what should be a good one.