San Diego, CA (SportsNetwork.com) - JJ O'Brien scored 10 points, the only San Diego State player in double figures, as the Aztecs held on to defeat the Air Force Falcons, 53-49, in the Mountain West Conference opener at Viejas Arena.

Aqeel Quinn and Matt Shrigley both accounted for nine points for the Aztecs (11-3, 1-0 MWC) as they posted their fourth straight win. Leading scorer Winston Shepard (11.0 ppg), converted only 2-of-12 shots from the floor and finished with seven points.

The Falcons (7-5, 0-1), losers of two of the last three, were paced by Max Yon who tallied a game-high 15 points, followed by Kamryn Williams with 11 points. Marek Olesinski pitched in with seven points and a game-high 10 rebounds.

San Diego State scored the first points of the day and never looked back, moving out to a 33-19 advantage at the break after limiting the visitors to just eight field goals and 0-of-8 beyond the arc in the first half.

In the second half the Academy responded with 52.4 percent accuracy from the floor and closed the gap as SDSU converted only 8-of-25, including 1-of-9 on the outside. However, Shepard saved the day with three free throws in the final 25 seconds.

The Falcons hurt themselves with 17 turnovers and just 1-of-11 shooting behind the 3-point line.

San Diego State now owns a 51-22 advantage in the all-time series and has won 16 consecutive home conference games as well.