In a thrilling preseason exhibition, the No. 12 UCLA Bruins defeated the San Diego State Aztecs 67-60 at Viejas Arena on October 18, 2025. This matchup provided significant insights for both teams as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Key Highlights from the UCLA vs. SDSU Exhibition Game
1. Aztecs’ Learning Experience
Despite the loss, coach Brian Dutcher emphasized the importance of this game for learning. The Aztecs faced a 17-0 deficit early in the match and committed ten turnovers within the first seven minutes.
- Coach Dutcher remarked, “We’re going to learn a lot of lessons when we watch the tape.”
- UCLA coach Mick Cronin noted that the challenging game met their expectations, stating, “We got everything we wanted out of it.”
Historically, early exhibition games have predicted season outcomes. The Aztecs have bounced back from similar preseason performances in past years, often leading to success in the NCAA Tournament.
2. Stellar Performance by Reese Dixon-Waters
Reese Dixon-Waters made a remarkable comeback, scoring a game-high 19 points in 28 minutes. This was his first college game in 568 days due to an injury.
- Dixon-Waters shot 7 of 11 from the field, including 3 of 5 from beyond the arc.
- Coach Dutcher praised his ability to take and make difficult shots, a skill vital for the Aztecs moving forward.
His presence on the court was crucial, with Cronin commenting, “Reese, having him back, is the key to me.”
3. Long Standing Tradition Affects Team Morale
The exhibition also highlighted a unique tradition at Viejas Arena where fans rhythmically clap until the Aztecs score. On this night, the Aztecs failed to score for 7:45 minutes, creating a tense atmosphere.
- Players visibly tightened under the pressure of the prolonged scoring drought.
- Coach Dutcher noted, “You could tell we were a little nervous at the start.”
This tradition, reminiscent of similar practices in other arenas, serves as both a show of support and a source of stress for the players.
As the Aztecs continue their preparations for the season opener on November 4, the lessons learned from this exhibition will drive them to improve and build resilience.
