News Summary
San Diego State University is set to host a men’s basketball exhibition game against UCLA, benefiting the Men’s Basketball Recruitment and Retention Fund. Scheduled for October 17 at Viejas Arena, this event follows a recent NCAA rule change facilitating public exhibitions. Ticket sales will commence for season ticket members on September 17, with prices varying by section. The matchup continues the rivalry between SDSU and UCLA, adding to the teams’ historical competition. SDSU’s roster includes returning players and promising newcomers, gearing up for the upcoming season.
San Diego
San Diego State University (SDSU) will host a men’s basketball exhibition game against UCLA on October 17 at 7 p.m. PT, taking place at Steve Fisher Court at Viejas Arena. Proceeds from this matchup will directly benefit the San Diego State Men’s Basketball Recruitment and Retention Fund, bolstering the program’s ability to attract and retain talented players.
This exhibition game aligns with a recent NCAA rule change that permits Division I programs to conduct closed scrimmages as public exhibitions, thus generating significant revenue for recruitment initiatives. Season ticket members will have the first opportunity to purchase tickets starting September 17. Ticket prices vary by section, with costs set as follows:
- Tan, Light Blue, Red, and Purple sections: $50 each
- Blue and Yellow sections: $40 each
- Brown and Orange sections: $30 each
Any remaining tickets will become available to the general public on October 9.
Game History and Rivalry
The meeting between SDSU and UCLA will add another chapter to their competitive history. The last time these teams faced off was on November 25, 2020, where SDSU achieved a decisive victory, winning 73-58. Historically, the Aztecs have a 6-5 record against the Bruins in games played within San Diego. This exhibition marks the third occasion that UCLA has visited San Diego since the 1939-40 season.
Player Accolades and Team Composition
SDSU’s roster for the upcoming 2025-26 season features a mix of skilled returning players and promising newcomers. Notable members include:
- Magoon Gwath: Mountain West’s 2025 Freshman of the Year
- Miles Byrd: Second-team NABC All-Pacific District Player
- Reese Dixon-Waters: 2024-25 Preseason All-Mountain West honoree
- Sean Newman Jr.: Ranked No. 3 in the nation with 7.9 assists per game last season
- Latrell Davis: Averaged 10.3 points off the bench, leading the Mountain West
- Jeremiah Oden: Approaching the milestone of 1,000 career points
SDSU will also welcome two exceptional four-star freshmen: Elzie Harrington, recognized as a California All-State player and co-MVP of the Trinity League, and Tae Simmons, a top-ranked forward with multiple all-state honors.
Upcoming Season Schedule
The 2025-26 SDSU basketball season includes 20 Mountain West Conference games alongside 10 non-conference games. The schedule is highlighted by at least 13 matchups against teams that participated in the 2025 NCAA Tournament, featuring high-profile games against Michigan and Oregon in Las Vegas and against Arizona in Phoenix. The season will kick off at home with five consecutive games, starting with Long Beach State on November 4. This year’s Mountain West schedule will follow an unbalanced layout due to the addition of Grand Canyon to the conference.
This season is particularly significant as SDSU prepares for its transition from the Mountain West to the reconfigured Pac-12 in the near future. As a part of this shift, the full 2025-26 men’s basketball schedule has been released, with all dates subject to change.
This exhibition game not only promises to be an engaging contest for fans but also exemplifies SDSU’s commitment to enhancing its basketball program through innovative fan engagement and recruitment strategies.
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Additional Resources
- San Diego State Men’s Hoops to Play UCLA in Exhibition Opener
- USD Basketball Tickets On Sale Now for 2025 Tip-Off Dinner
- San Diego State Unveils Full Men’s Basketball Schedule
- Wikipedia: San Diego
- Google Search: 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Season

Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
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