Any concern about the San Diego State sulking and lacking enthusiasm for their first round NIT game after being left out of the NCAA Tournament was quickly dispelled as the Aztecs took an early lead and beat the IPFW Mastodons, 79-55.
Malik Pope scored 15 points to lead the Aztecs in scoring, however the night was all about Winston Shepard. Shepard recorded the first triple-double in San Diego State history, finishing with 10 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists. In all, there were 10 Aztecs scored at least two points on the way to blowing out the Mastodons, who were making their first NIT appearance.