The San Diego State University men’s basketball team has stirred the emotions of fans the past few years after reaching the NCAA Final Four in 2023.
Last season’s early exit from the March Madness bracket didn’t seem to diminish enthusiasm much as Viejas Arena was filled to about 75 percent capacity with 9,500 fans for last Friday’s exhibition game against 12th-ranked UCLA.
Aztec fans had to gasp as UCLA raced to a 17-0 lead. The hosts did catch up a bit, trailing 39-23 at halftime. But the Bruins never trailed in the game.
The crowd remained loud, especially as SDSU out-scored UCLA 37-28 in the second half. Fans had a chance to air out their lungs as the Aztecs narrowed the score to three points, 52-49, with 7:36 left in the game. But the Bruins quickly jumped back out in front by nine points, 60-51, with just under five minutes left en route to a 67-60 final score.
Reese Dixon-Water keyed the Aztecs with 19 points, including three successful three-point shots, while Taj DeGourville dropped in 10 points. Miles Heide led all players in the game with seven rebounds.
Donovan Dent, who was 10-for-10 at the free-throw line, led UCLA with 18 points. Two other Bruins finished in double digits: Skyy Clark with 13 points and Trent Perry with 10 points.
The Bruins totaled 13 steals from six players.
SDSU hosts the University of San Diego in another exhibition game on Oct. 29 before opening regular season play with three consecutive games at Viejas Arena: Nov. 4 against Long Beach State, Nov. 9 against Idaho State and Nov. 18 against Troy.
The Aztecs will travel to Las Vegas to participate in the Players Era Festival Nov. 24-27. Home games follow against Utah Valley (Dec. 3), Lamar (Dec. 10) and Air Force (Dec. 17).
SDSU’s women’s team tips off its season Nov. 3 against UCLA at the Honda Center in Anaheim. The Lady Aztecs host Cal State San Marcos Nov. 8, Cal State Northridge on Nov. 12, Cal State Bakersfield on Nov. 15 and Santa Clara on Nov. 19.
