SAN DIEGO – The Aztecs returned to Steve Fisher Court after two weeks away from the confines of Viejas Arena to face the visiting Wolverines of Utah Valley University. Despite it being a tightly contested game at the half, the Aztecs would pull away in the second frame of action to secure a 77-66 victory and earn their fourth win of the 2025-2026 season.
The first half was highlighted by BJ Davis’s continued offensive efficiency. The junior guard entered the evening having scored double figures in five consecutive games. His 12 first half points were critical as the Wolverines would go on a 12-0 run over the final three minutes to head into halftime trailing by a single point.
After a relatively slow start as a team coach Brian Dutcher’s squad rallied in the second half, led by freshman Tae Simmons. As a team they shot 56% from the floor and 50% from behind the arc. The team’s defense also emerged, coming away with five steals and blocking three shots. Despite only playing eight minutes in the second half, Simmons was highly effective. The freshman forward scored 11 of his career-high 15 points on perfect 3-3 shooting while also pulling down three rebounds. The freshman would go on a 5-0 run by himself to put the Aztecs up by 12 with roughly 10 minutes remaining. While Utah Valley pulled within five late in the game, a 6-0 run pushed San Diego State ahead by 11 and they would never look back.
As a team, the Aztecs won numerous key statistical battles across the 40 minutes of game time. SDSU controlled the interior, scoring 34 points in the paint compared to Utah Valley’s 26. They would also win the rebounding battle securing 35 total rebounds including 12 offensive rebounds. Yet, the most critical component of the matchup was the dominant showing by San Diego State’s second unit. The Aztec’s reserves scored 59 points as the trio of BJ Davis (18 points), Tae Simmons (15 points) and Pharaoh Compton (12 points) overwhelmed the Wolverines.
UP NEXT
San Diego State kicked off a stretch of three straight home games with their win tonight. They will return to Viejas Arena next Wednesday for a 7:00 p.m. matchup against Lamar University on Dec. 10 as they look to pick up their second consecutive victory!