Congrats to former San Diego State sharpshooter Reese Dixon-Waters on recently signing with the G League’s Grand Rapids Gold. Good luck to Reese this year as a professional player who is chasing his NBA dream. #Aztecs

Shot Ready: Coach Brian Dutcher says Oregon State transfer Isaiah Se is one of the best shooters he’s seen at SDSU & will be a dangerous 3-point threat all season. Isaiah tells @JakeGaregnani that he’s excited to play this year & help the promising Aztecs go as far as they can.

Good stuff: @SportsOnTheMesa shares some thoughts on San Diego State’s exhibition loss to No. 21 USC at Viejas — including being better defensively vs. perimeter shooters, cutting down on turnovers & developing a more consistent offense where Aztec shooters will hit open shots.

San Diego State’s Brian Dutcher understands you don’t start from almost scratch & build a conference title contender in a game or two. It takes time, lots of work, players buying into the system, growing confidence & getting the most out of the talent. Trust Dutch, he has a plan.

Great to see San Diego State sophomore guard Elzie Harrington feeling healthy again & primed for a big year with the Aztecs. Elzie scored 19 points vs. No. 21 USC on Friday night at Viejas Arena — including this high-flying dunk. #Aztecs

Big props to San Diego State sophomore guard Elzie Harrington who led the Aztecs with 19 points in Friday’s 85-68 loss to visiting No. 21 USC. Elzie was 6 of 10 on field goals, 3 of 4 3’s & 4 of 4 on free throws to go with 4 assists, 2 rebounds & 2 steals in 28 1/2 minutes.

Aztec coach Brian Dutcher praised USC as a very good team, one that made 9 3’d & forced 20 SDSU turnovers. “At the end of the day, it was lessons learned,” Dutcher said. “We’ve got to be better as coaches & players. So much growth we have to do this year.”

San Diego State will host Long Beach State in an exhibition game at 7 pm Wednesday at Viejas Arena, then officially open the 2026-27 season while hosting Cal State Fullerton at 7 pm Tuesday, Nov. 3 at Viejas.

The Trojans used their size & quickness to fight past the hustling Aztecs. USC led 51-31 at the half & made 7 3’s in the first 20 minutes. SDSU pulled to within 9 points in the final half on a couple of occasions before the Trojans closed the door on an impressive road win.

No. 21 USC leads San Diego State 51-31 at halftime Friday night in an exhibition game at Viejas Arena. Alijah Arenas tops the Trojans with 15 points & Rodney Rice has 13. Bear Cherry leads the Aztecs with 8 points & Elzie Harrington has 7. USC has hit 7 3’s; SDSU, 3.

The Aztecs traveled to play No. 5 Arizona last week & fell 82-67 in an exhibition. There were some highlights & some areas that need improvement. But Dutcher was pleased with the effort & can hardly wait until his roster is fully healthy. The USC game is an exhibition, too.

But to get to their best team version, the Aztecs need to compete vs. D-1 teams like Arizona, Gonzaga, USC, UCLA & BYU. “We’re going to try to not get too high or too low, and build chemistry to win games,” Dutcher said. “It’s all part of the process.” SDSU hosts USC on Friday.

“I feel we have a roster that can beat anyone on our schedule,” Dutcher said. “We’re trying to build a strong resume to play in the NCAA tournament.” He feels the Aztecs have the talent to compete at a high level while still playing a highly competitive schedule & in the PAC-12.

Great to see San Diego State’s Dave Velasquez honored as one of the best assistant coaches in the country. Coach Dave has been extremely valuable on Coach Fisher’s & Coach Dutcher’s successful teams over the years. #Respect #AztecForLife