Get ready for a thrilling showdown as the Aztecs and UCLA Bruins clash in a basketball exhibition that promises to be more than just a friendly match. But here’s where it gets controversial—this isn’t your typical preseason scrimmage. It’s a full-fledged, fan-filled event at Viejas Arena, marking a rare occasion where UCLA steps out of its comfort zone for an out-of-conference road game in Southern California. And this is the part most people miss—it’s not just about the $90,000 payout for UCLA; it’s a strategic move to gauge progress against a formidable opponent in a high-pressure environment.
Rewind to December 14, 1991, when San Diego State last hosted UCLA in front of a live crowd at the Sports Arena. The Aztecs were in the midst of a disastrous 2-26 season, a far cry from their current standing. Fast forward to today, and the narrative couldn’t be more different. SDSU has shed its ‘doormat’ label, boasting 11 NCAA Tournament appearances in the last 15 seasons—one more than UCLA’s storied program. Bold statement alert: Could this exhibition be a symbolic passing of the torch in California college basketball?
The game, scheduled for 7 p.m. this Friday, is expected to draw around 7,000 fans, a stark contrast to the closed-door scrimmages of the past. UCLA, ranked No. 12 in the preseason poll, brings a seasoned roster led by seniors Tyler Bilodeau and Skyy Clark, alongside high-impact transfers like Mountain West Player of the Year Donovan Dent. Meanwhile, the Aztecs, though unranked, are no pushovers, with a deep bench ready to prove their mettle.
Aztecs coach Brian Dutcher sees this as a golden opportunity. ‘It adds the element of extra emotion when the crowd is into the game,’ he said. ‘We’ll see how our team responds under pressure—something you can’t replicate in practice.’ Controversial question: Is UCLA underestimating the Aztecs by agreeing to this game, or are they setting themselves up for a wake-up call?
Notably, 7-foot sophomore Magoon Gwath, the Mountain West Freshman and Defensive Player of the Year, will be absent due to knee surgery. However, he’s making strides in recovery, cleared for ‘5-on-0’ drills with a November return on the horizon. Junior guard Miles Byrd, sidelined with an abdominal strain, will also sit this one out, giving younger players like redshirt freshman Thokbor Majak and true freshmen Elzie Harrington and Tae Simmons a chance to shine.
Tickets, priced at $47.15 and up, are available outside the season-ticket package. With no TV coverage and only UCLA’s radio broadcast, this is a must-attend event for basketball enthusiasts. Final thought-provoking question: As California’s top two programs collide, will this exhibition be a mere tune-up, or the start of a new rivalry? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
