SAN DIEGO – With the world of college basketball scheduling in what seems to be a constant state of flux, the San Diego State men's basketball program has taken the bull by the horns and will host its own multi-team event on Nov. 25 and 27 to open the 2020-21 season in Viejas Arena.
Joining the Aztecs on Steve Fisher Court will be the UCLA Bruins, No. 22 in the AP Preseason Top-25 Poll, Pepperdine Waves and UC Irvine Anteaters, with each team getting one game a day in the two-day format. While the Aztecs have played each of the teams in San Diego, this will be the first time any has competed in Viejas Arena in the regular season. UCLA has competed in Viejas, in the NCAA Tournament, in both 2006 & 2014.
Matchups for each day have been set, but game times and broadcast details are still being worked out.
On Wednesday, Nov. 25, the Aztecs and Bruins will meet for the first time since San Diego State defeated UCLA, 78-69, in the 2012 John R. Wooden Classic in Anaheim, Calif., a game after which the Associated Press announced in its recap that "The king of college basketball in California is San Diego State."
The matchup will also mark the first time since a game in the Sports Arena in the 1991-92 season, that the Bruins have played in San Diego. UCLA has a 16-6 advantage in the all-time series, but is 5-5 on SDSU's home floor.
For highlights of the 2012 San Diego State vs. UCLA game use this link: https://bit.ly/32xumBc
To view a photo gallery of the 2012 San Diego State vs. UCLA game use this link: https://bit.ly/2JNvQ3v
In the other game on the 25th, Pepperdine will play UC Irvine. The Waves hold a 13-10 advantage in the all-time series and have won each of the last four meetings, including a 77-73 victory on its home floor last year. The teams have split the two times they have met on a neutral court.
On Friday, Nov. 27, SDSU plays UC Irvine, a team it has beaten in 10 of its 17 meetings, including six-of-nine on San Diego State's home floor. The Aztecs have won the last three against UC Irvine at home, and the game will mark the Anteaters first appearance on SDSU's home court since a 100-88 San Diego State win in the Sports Arena in the 1996-97 season.
Also, on Friday, UCLA and Pepperdine will meet for the 24th time overall. The Bruins hold a 19-to-4 advantage in the all-time series. All but two of those games have come on UCLA's home floor and the teams have never met on a neutral court. The Waves will be looking to end a five-game slide against UCLA, and pick up its first win against the Bruins since an 85-78 victory in the 2002-03 season.
Due to state and local restrictions, fans will not be permitted in Viejas Arena for the event.
-SDSU-