Slow Start Sinks San Diego State: Key Takeaways from Their Loss to No. 12 UCLA at Viejas Arena

The San Diego State Aztecs faced a tough challenge in their recent exhibition against the UCLA Bruins, losing 67-60. This game was a chance for the team to kick off the new season after a rough end in the last NCAA Tournament, where they lost significantly to North Carolina.

In the first half, the Aztecs struggled, finding themselves trailing 17-0 early on. Freezing in their early minutes, they missed their first nine shots and racked up 10 turnovers before finally scoring. “It was a wake-up for us,” said sophomore Taj DeGourville after making that first basket. The mood in the arena shifted as fans reacted with relief, but the Aztecs still had work to do.

Despite a shaky start, the team improved in the second half, showing promising signs. Their shooting percentage jumped to 57.1% after only hitting 26.9% in the first half. Their efforts culminated in a strong 17-5 run that closed the gap to just three points late in the game.

Coach Brian Dutcher saw value in the experience, noting, “We found some strengths and things to work on.” He emphasized the importance of not getting discouraged even when trailing—an essential lesson for a team filled with new faces and inexperience. Only one starter from last season, BJ Davis, played in the opening lineup.

Adding to the challenge, two key players were unavailable. Seven-foot sophomore Magoon Gwath sat out, still recovering from an injury, and junior Miles Byrd struggled after being sidelined with an abdominal strain.

Among the players stepping up was Reese Dixon-Waters, who led the Aztecs with 19 points in his first game back since missing last season due to injury. “I was just trying to be aggressive,” he said.

UCLA’s star players, Donovan Dent and Skyy Clark, played crucial roles in their victory, with Dent scoring 18 points and drawing fouls consistently. UCLA coach Mick Cronin noted the importance of witnessing how his squad handled the pressure of a close game without calling a timeout.

As the Aztecs look ahead, they have time to refine their skills before their next match on October 29 against USD, followed by the regular season opener on November 4 against Long Beach State. It’s a journey of growth for this team, and fans are hopeful they can build on the lessons learned from this exhibition.

For more insights on team dynamics and player performance, check out research from the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

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