San Diego State Defeats UC San Diego in Opener

In a thrilling season opener, San Diego State University (SDSU) edged out UC San Diego 63-58, led by Miles Byrd's 20 points and strong defensive play that included eight blocked shots. The Aztecs, who unveiled a Sweet 16 banner from the previous season, trailed for much of the second half until a late 12-0 run secured their victory. SDSU's Nick Boyd contributed significantly in his debut, adding 11 points. Meanwhile, South Dakota State University (SDSU) is set to host No. 21 Creighton in their home opener after a narrow win against Rice, marking the return of key players from injury. Both teams have a rich history, with SDSU head coach leading in his 25th season and aiming to improve against ranked opponents, while Creighton looks to continue its momentum with a strong roster. This matchup is particularly important as it features two of the longest-tenured coaches in college basketball, showcasing their combined experience and accomplishments.