San Diego State Holds Off Colorado in Bill Walton Classic

Chance Gladden scored 20 points and Latrell Davis added 18 as San Diego State defeated Colorado 77-66 during the first Bill Walton Classic event held at Pechanga Arena on November 7. The event honored Bill Walton, a Hall of Fame basketball player from San Diego, with players and Colorado coach Tad Boyle wearing tie-dye. More than 3,000 people attended, and members of Walton’s family were there.

The Aztecs (2-0) took the lead early and held it through the game. They built a substantial advantage by halftime, but Colorado (1-1) outscored them 49-42 after the break and cut the margin to eight. Barrington Hargress scored 33 points for the Buffaloes, including 22 in the second half.

Gladden made five of six field-goal attempts and 10 of 11 free throws. Davis scored 15 of his points after halftime. San Diego State outrebounded Colorado 38-27 and held the Buffaloes to about 37% shooting, but committed 20 turnovers that led to 28 Colorado points. Hargress made five of his eight three-point attempts.

San Diego State forward Jeremiah Cherry left the court holding his right shoulder with 6:20 remaining. He received attention from the team’s training staff and returned to the game before the final minutes. Cherry finished with eight points and five rebounds.

San Diego State is scheduled to host Bethune-Cookman on Wednesday. Colorado is scheduled to host San Diego on Tuesday.