LAS VEGAS – Waterfowl, no problem.

Furry land mammals with sharp claws and a ferocious demeanor, not so much.

San Diego State’s hopeful win against the Oregon Ducks on Tuesday was sandwiched between less impressive efforts against the No. 7 Michigan Wolverines and, on Wednesday night in college basketball’s Players Era Festival, the Baylor Bears.

The program that prides itself on defense, rebounding and taking care of the ball in crucial moments did none of the above – or at least not nearly enough of the above – in a 91-81 loss at Michelob Ultra Arena against the Big 12’s Baylor that wasn’t as close as the score indicated (the Bears led by 18) and once again raised questions about this team’s viability as NCAA Tournament material.

This was always going to be a battle of fatigue, both

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