Date: December 4th, 2010
Stats: 16 points, 12 rebounds, 4 steals
San Diego State always battled to prove doubters wrong. During the 2010-11 season, nothing changed. As the Aztecs pushed their undefeated record to a pristine 7-0, Wichita State, who came into their December 4th, showdown with a 5-1 record, was expected to bring them back down to earth. Despite their bravado, nevertheless, the Aztecs, and Kawhi Leonard in particular, showed them the door.
Leonard wasn’t overbearing on the offensive end, scoring just 16 points but he was efficient, nailing 50% of his 3-point attempts. Also, more importantly, Leonard was ubiquitous on the defensive side of the ball. Leonard crushed Wichita on the glass, grabbing 12 boards. Wichita ball handlers attempted to test his defensive acumen but Leonard made them pay, ripping the opposing point guard countless times for four steals, while also blocking one shot at the rim for good measure.
San Diego was viewed differently as they cruised to a 14-point win on the night. Their showdown against Wichita was only the beginning, as they went on to have one of the best seasons in school history. Leonard led San Diego to 19 consecutive wins before suffering defeat in their 20th contest.