By Jeff Goodman

Kawhi Leonard may be in the NBA with the San Antonio Spurs, but he's still making his presence felt with his former teammates at San Diego State.

"His work ethic, I think we all watched him and learned a lot," Aztecs guard Chase Tapley said. "I know I did. He's so humble, just wants to win and worked so hard and it rubs off on everyone else."

But work ethic can only do so much. You still need talent -- and after Steve Fisher lost a first-rounder early in Leonard, and three other starters off last season's team, just about everyone figured it would be a rebuilding year. That San Diego State, one of the true feel-good stories a year ago, would return to mediocrity.

Instead, the Aztecs - coming off a huge win at the Viejas Center this past weekend, are 15-2 and sit among the Top 20 teams in the country heading into Wednesday's tilt at the Pit in New Mexico.

Fisher has done a remarkable job with this group, one that should put him right there for National Coach of the Year honors.

"I think we all thought it was a rebuilding year," Tapley admitted.

CBSSports.com wire reports Jan. 17, 2012

 ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Stu Douglass made a layup with 36.5 seconds remaining, and No. 20 Michigan held on through a wild final sequence to edge No. 9 Michigan State 60-59 on Tuesday night.

On Michigan State's last possession, Keith Appling drove to the basket but had his shot blocked by Jordan Morgan. Brandon Wood of the Spartans came up with the ball, and Draymond Green was able to get another shot off from near the free throw line, but it missed.

Freshman Trey Burke scored 20 points for Michigan. He rebounded a miss by Appling in the final minute and turned it into a transition chance, eventually passing to Douglass for the winning layup.

Michigan (15-4, 5-2 Big Ten) has won three straight against Michigan State (15-4, 4-2).

Derrick Nix led Michigan State with 13 points.