Grand Canyon Lopes vs San Diego State Aztecs Picks and Predictions for Tuesday February 17 2026

By: Kim Smith Published 02/17/2026, 06:55 AM ET
San Diego State vs Utah State prediction
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The Grand Canyon Lopes travel to Viejas Arena in San Diego, California to take on the San Diego State Aztecs on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Tipoff is set for 10:00 PM ET with the game airing on CBSSN. San Diego State enters as a 7.5-point home favorite, and the total is listed at 136.5. The moneyline has not been released at the time of this writing. Be sure to also check out our free college basketball picks for additional analysis and daily betting opportunities.

Lopes Looking to Prove Themselves on the Road

Grand Canyon comes into this matchup at 16-9 overall and 9-5 in Mountain West play, including a 4-4 road record in conference action. The Lopes have gone 3-2 in their last five games. They recently secured an impressive 94-79 road win over San Josรฉ State and also defeated Air Force 81-57 and Boise State 86-69. However, they dropped close contests to New Mexico 70-64 and UNLV 80-78, both competitive games that highlighted their ability to stay within striking distance.

Offensively, Grand Canyon averages 75.3 points per game while allowing 68.8 points per contest. They shoot 45% from the field and grab 36.4 rebounds per game. The Lopes also contribute 12.6 assists per contest, indicating a balanced approach that doesnโ€™t rely solely on isolation scoring. Their defense has been one of their stronger assets, keeping opponents under 70 points per game.

The Lopes average 3.6 blocks and 6.9 steals per game, which allows them to create turnovers and convert in transition. Their defensive intensity has helped them remain competitive in road environments. If Grand Canyon can limit second-chance opportunities and maintain discipline in half-court defense, they will have a legitimate chance to challenge San Diego State late.

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Aztecs Dominating the Mountain West

San Diego State enters this contest at 18-6 overall and 12-2 in Mountain West play, including a strong 7-1 home conference record. The Aztecs have won four of their last five games, most recently defeating Nevada 71-57, Air Force 88-54, Wyoming 72-63, and Colorado State 73-50. Their lone loss in that stretch came on the road at Utah State 71-66, a tightly contested matchup.

The Aztecs are averaging 79.8 points per game while allowing just 69.3 points per contest. They shoot an efficient 48% from the field and average 35.6 rebounds per game. San Diego State also dishes out 15.8 assists per contest, showing strong offensive structure and ball movement. Their balanced scoring attack makes them difficult to defend for a full 40 minutes.

Defensively, San Diego State stands out with 4.6 blocks and 8.5 steals per game. That defensive pressure often leads to transition scoring and extended scoring runs, especially at home. Viejas Arena has been a difficult venue for visiting teams, and the Aztecsโ€™ ability to control pace and defend at a high level gives them a clear edge in this matchup.

Grand Canyon Lopes vs San Diego State Aztecs Pick

Grand Canyon Lopes vs San Diego State Aztecs Spread Pick

  • Pick: San Diego State -7.5

San Diego State holds advantages in shooting efficiency, defensive pressure, and home-court performance. While Grand Canyon has been competitive, the Aztecsโ€™ ability to force turnovers and control tempo at home makes them the more reliable option. I expect San Diego State to gradually build separation in the second half and cover the 7.5-point spread.

Grand Canyon Lopes vs San Diego State Aztecs Total Pick

  • Pick: Under 136.5

I am leaning toward the under in this contest. Both teams play solid defense, with each allowing fewer than 70 points per game. San Diego Stateโ€™s defensive intensity combined with Grand Canyonโ€™s disciplined approach should result in a controlled pace. I anticipate a lower-scoring game that stays under the posted total.

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