San Diego State Men’s Basketball entered Viejas Arena and took to Steve Fisher Court for their 2025-2026 season opener against Long Beach State. The Aztecs entered the evening with an eight-game winning streak against The Beach and continued their success with a 77-45 victory.
San Diego State’s first score of the night would come via a baseline drive from Sean Newman Jr. who found Miles Heide under the basket for a quick two points at the rim.
With roughly five and a half minutes left in the half SDSU’s offense would catch fire with Mountain West Preseason Player of the Year Miles Byrd erupting for eight straight points off a contested layup at the rim and a pair of shots behind the arc. The Aztecs closed the first frame of play on a 20-5 run with Byrd leading all players in both points (11) and rebounds (5) at the half.
Sophomore guard Taj DeGourville got things going for the Aztecs in the second half with four straight points within the opening minutes kicking off a balanced scoring effort from coach Brian Dutcher’s team. Nine different Aztec’s contributed points across the final 20 minutes of the game.
For the game Byrd and freshman Elzie Harrington each posted a team high in scoring with 13 points apiece. Byrd was also dynamic on the glass, pulling down a team high eight rebounds.
The trio of Tae Simmons, Miles Heide, and DeGourville all chipped in 10 points and Harrington handed out four assists.
Long Beach was led by Sophomore forward Petar Majstorovic who had a double-double to the tune of 13 points and a game high 10 rebounds.
The Aztec’s defense once again was stellar forcing 21 turnovers that resulted in 24 points. They also limited The Beach to 32% shooting from the floor and only 21% from three. BJ Davis swiped three steals while four different SDSU’ players blocked a shot as well.
THE NOTE Elzie Harrington and Tae Simmons are the first Aztec freshmen to score in double figures in the season opener since Jeremy Hemsley scored 20 points against Illinois State on November 13, 2025.
UP NEXT San Diego State will be back inside Viejas Arena on November 9, at 2 p.m. to take on the Bengals of Idaho State as they look to secure their second win of the 2025-2026 season.