SAN DIEGO (Interstat) — San Diego State used a dominant first half to defeat Lamar 89-71 in a nonconference men’s basketball game Wednesday night at Viejas Arena.

The Aztecs built a commanding 51-41 halftime lead and maintained control after the break before a crowd of 11,257. The victory improved San Diego State’s record to 5-3, while Lamar fell to 5-4. The Aztecs, heavy pregame favorites, easily covered the 19.5-point spread, and the combined 160 points sailed over the projected total of 137. San Diego State next hosts Air Force on Dec. 17, while Lamar returns home to face Texas-Rio Grande Valley on Dec. 16.