SAN JOSE, Calif. (Interstat) — The San Diego State Aztecs look to build momentum heading into Mountain West play when they visit the San Jose State Spartans on Tuesday afternoon at the Event Center.

San Diego State (7-4) enters the nonconference finale coming off a dominant 121-59 win over Whittier on Dec. 22. The Aztecs’ season has been marked by volatility, with a 97-80 road win over Oregon bracketed by a 40-point loss at Michigan and a 23-point defeat at Arizona just before Christmas.

A player to watch for the Aztecs is forward Pharaoh Compton, who is coming off a highly efficient 21-point, eight-rebound performance in just 13 minutes against Whittier. Over his last five games, Compton is averaging 11.6 points and has recorded multiple blocks in three of those contests.

San Jose State (5-7) seeks to steady itself after a 65-88 loss at New Mexico on Dec. 20. The Spartans have shown offensive firepower, winning shootouts against Long Beach State and San Diego earlier this month, but have struggled defensively, allowing 86 points or more in three of their last four games.

The Spartans are led by guard Colby Garland, who has been a consistent scoring force. Garland is averaging 23.5 points over his last four games, including a 27-point outing against New Mexico. He nearly posted a double-double with 20 points and nine assists in a narrow 86-82 loss to Stanford on Dec. 13.

Historically, San Diego State has dominated the series, winning 18 of the last 19 meetings. The Aztecs’ size and defensive intensity, ranking among the Mountain West leaders in scoring defense, will test a San Jose State team that relies heavily on Garland’s creation and perimeter scoring.

Tuesday’s contest is the final nonconference tune-up for both squads before full immersion into the Mountain West schedule. San Diego State opens at home against Boise State on Jan. 3, while San Jose State travels to Utah State the same day.

Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. PST at the Event Center on the San Jose State campus.