This Day In Utah Sports History: Jimmer Drops 43

PROVO, Utah – On this day 12 years ago, Jimmer Fredette dropped 43 points in the Marriott Center to give Kawhi Leonard and the San Diego State Aztecs their first loss of the season.

Jimmer Fredette was on a tear in his senior season as a Cougar. His performance against San Diego State was already his third 40-point game of the season.

BYU needed every point from Fredette to top the undefeated Aztecs. The final score was 71-58. But, it was only a six point difference with three minutes left in the game.

Jimmer Fredette vs SDSU is one of the photos you can pick up from the BYU Print Store at http://t.co/2U2sjuBN pic.twitter.com/x0Za3RvJ

— BYU Photo (@BYUphoto) December 15, 2011

Both teams were ranked headed into the match. BYU sat at No. 9 while SDSU boasted a top-5 ranking at No. 4. The Aztecs and the Ohio State Buckeyes were the only remaining undefeated teams in college basketball.

Jimmer Fredette wills BYU past SDSU

Cougar fans were prepared for the marquee matchup. The Marriott Center sold out, with over 20,000 in attendance for the Fredette and Leonard matchup.

Jimmer Fredette and Brandon Davies, who is currently playing professionally overseas, carried the Cougar offense early. They scored the first 15 points for BYU.

The first half was a dogfight between two NCAA powerhouses. Neither team could open a lead larger than four points.

Fredette scored with ease against SDSU. He put in baskets from three, from mid-range, and inside the paint at will.

Pointless Stat of the day:
Jimmer Fredette vs Kawhi and SDSU
43-0-4⁰ (W)
25-9-3⁰ (W)
30-2-6 (L) pic.twitter.com/cGOxFET4At

— Yahoo Sports NBA (@YahooSportsNBA) March 14, 2020

Jimmer put up 20 points on efficient shooting in the first half. Kawhi Leonard had 13 in the half for the Aztecs.

In the second half, Jimmer stayed in his comfort zone and scored in ways he knew he could. Jumpshots.

Jimmer did not make a single layup, floater, dunk, or inside shot in the second half. But, he still scored 23 points. He scored all of his second-half points on three-point jumpshots, mid-range jumpshots, and free throws.

In the last few minutes, BYU pulled ahead of SDSU to secure a 13-point victory. But, the game was much close than what the score says.

It seemed like Jimmer Fredette was the whole Cougar offense. Despite this, they still pulled off an impressive win.

Kawhi Leonard finished with 22 points and 15 rebounds. Fredette and Leonard went on to become the 10th and 15th picks in the 2011 NBA Draft.

(2011) Kawhi Leonard and Jimmer Fredette going at it. 👀 pic.twitter.com/6Oxlr24bKU

— Timeless Sports (@timelesssports_) June 15, 2018

Where Is Jimmer Today?

From 2016 to 2019, Fredette played for the Shanghai Sharks. He set a ton of records in the Chinese Basketball Association, including becoming the Shanghai Sharks all time 3-point leader.

He even scored 70+ in multiple games.

Two years ago, Jimmer Fredette dropped 75 for the Shanghai Sharks in a loss 😯 pic.twitter.com/745Pgxe0n7

— ESPN (@espn) November 11, 2020

Most recently, Fredette has been competing in 3v3 basketball. He made his debut at the 2022 Red Bull USA Basketball 3X East Regional and led his team to a win.

After being named to the USA Men’s 2022 3×3 AmeriCup team, Fredette went on to win gold at the 2022 FIBA 3×3 AmeriCup.

🔥 JIMMERMANIA 🔥 #3x3AmeriCup@jimmerfredette @usab3x3 pic.twitter.com/GEH9NHaygt

— FIBA3x3 (@FIBA3x3) November 5, 2022

Chandler Holt is a Digital Sports Producer for KSLSports.com, specializing in all things basketball and football. Follow Chandler on Twitter at @ChandlerHoltKSL.