NCAA Tournament First Round: Rob Gray’s game-winner dooms San Diego State

San Diego State put up a valiant effort but fell to Houston 67-65 in their first-round NCAA Tournament game. The Aztecs’ defense played well overall, but could not contain the Cougars’ star, Rob Gray, who dropped 39 points on 12-25 shooting from the field.

Houston controlled the game from early on, leading for the majority of the game. The Aztecs were in striking distance the whole night but was unable to break through until late.

Both teams’ offenses had extended droughts in the second half with multiple three-minute stretches without a field goal.

Tied at 65 with 1.1 seconds left in the game, Gray made a layup which was ultimately the game winner. Trey Kell missed a three as time expired.

For SDSU Jalen McDaniels had 18 points and nine boards to lead the way. Malik Pope and Kell were also in double figures. The Aztecs were poor from behind the arc, shooting 4-16 for the game, while Houston shot 5-13.

This ends San Diego State’s season with a record of 22-11. Houston will take on the winner of Montana and Michigan.