Full Breakdown
UCLA Defeats San Diego State in Preseason Exhibition
10/18/2025, 3:06:14 PM
Game Overview: UCLA vs. San Diego State
In a preseason exhibition game held at Viejas Arena on October 17, 2025, the No. 12-ranked UCLA men's basketball team secured a 67-60 victory over San Diego State. The Bruins established an early lead, scoring the first 17 points of the game. Despite a strong second-half performance from the Aztecs, UCLA maintained control and never trailed throughout the match.
UCLA's Donovan Dent led the scoring with 18 points, while Skyy Clark contributed 13 points. Trent Perry added 10 points, and the team collectively shot 40.8% from the field, including 41.2% from three-point range. San Diego State's Reese Dixon-Waters was the game's top scorer with 19 points, followed by Taj DeGourville with 10 points. The Aztecs shot 42.6% overall but struggled from beyond the arc, making only 21.7% of their attempts.
Key Moments and Performance
The Bruins dominated the first half, leading 39-23 at halftime. San Diego State managed to cut the deficit to four points at 52-49 with 7:36 remaining in the game. However, UCLA responded by extending their lead back to nine points at 60-51 with under five minutes left. The Aztecs outscored UCLA 37-28 in the second half, showcasing their resilience, but ultimately fell short.
UCLA's defensive effort was notable, with the team recording 13 steals, while San Diego State struggled with turnovers, committing 21 throughout the game. Coach Mick Cronin expressed satisfaction with his team's ability to handle the pressure, particularly from their star guards, Dent and Clark.
Official Statements & Responses
Brian Dutcher, head coach of San Diego State, acknowledged the challenges faced by his team, particularly their slow start. He noted, “We found some deficiencies. We found some strengths. And we found some things to work on.” Despite the loss, he emphasized the importance of the exhibition for evaluating the team's potential.
UCLA's Coach Cronin remarked on the significance of the game, stating, “I wanted to see how Donnie and Skyy reacted. I purposely didn’t call timeout,” highlighting his desire to test the players' composure under pressure.
Looking Ahead
Both teams will continue their preseason preparations with upcoming exhibition games. UCLA will host UC Irvine on October 28, while San Diego State will face San Diego on October 29. The regular season for both teams is set to begin shortly thereafter, with UCLA hosting Eastern Washington on November 3 and San Diego State opening against Long Beach State on November 4.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the loss, San Diego State's performance in the second half raised questions about their early-game execution. Critics pointed out the need for improvement in handling pressure situations and reducing turnovers, which were highlighted as critical factors in their defeat.
Conclusion
The exhibition game served as a valuable opportunity for both teams to assess their strengths and weaknesses ahead of the regular season. With UCLA showcasing their depth and experience, and San Diego State demonstrating resilience, both programs are poised for competitive seasons in their respective conferences.
