Get ready for a thrilling showdown that’s more than just a game—it’s a testament to how far the Aztecs have come. Once the laughingstock of college basketball, San Diego State is now set to face No. 12 UCLA in a highly anticipated exhibition match, and the stakes are higher than ever. But here’s where it gets controversial: Why would UCLA, a powerhouse program, agree to play an out-of-conference road game in Southern California after decades of avoiding it? The answer might surprise you—and it’s not just about the $90,000 paycheck.
Rewind to December 14, 1991, when the Aztecs hosted UCLA at the then-Sports Arena. It was a season to forget for San Diego State, stumbling through a 2-26 record that cost coach Jim Brandenburg his job. The team was in disarray, with their tallest players quitting and a key returnee sidelined by injury. UCLA, ranked No. 3 at the time, cruised to an 84-64 victory despite missing two starters. Fast forward to today, and the Aztecs are no longer the underdog they once were. Over the past 15 seasons, they’ve punched their ticket to the NCAA Tournament 11 times—more than even the storied Bruins, who’ve made it 10 times in the same span. And this is the part most people miss: San Diego State has transformed from a doormat into a legitimate contender.
Friday’s 7 p.m. exhibition at Viejas Arena marks a rare opportunity for fans to see these two programs collide in front of a live crowd, with an expected turnout of 7,000. Unlike past closed-door scrimmages or the 2020 pandemic tournament without spectators, this game is a full-fledged event. But why now? For UCLA coach Mick Cronin, it’s a chance to gauge his team’s progress midway through preseason practice—and to do it against quality opposition in a hostile environment. For the Aztecs, it’s a chance to prove they belong in the same conversation as the Bruins.
Here’s the twist: This game isn’t just about basketball; it’s about the evolution of college sports. In recent years, the NCAA has allowed Division I teams to face off in October through charity exhibitions, but this year, the charity is the players themselves, with proceeds going to athletic department revenue-sharing funds. Aztecs coach Brian Dutcher puts it perfectly: ‘It adds the element of extra emotion when the crowd is into the game.’ But is this a fair trade-off, or are players being exploited for financial gain? That’s a question worth debating.
On the court, both teams are loaded with talent. UCLA returns key players like seniors Tyler Bilodeau and Skyy Clark, along with impact transfers like Mountain West Player of the Year Donovan Dent. The Aztecs, meanwhile, are still waiting for 7-foot sophomore Magoon Gwath to return from knee surgery—though he’s making progress and could be back in November. Dutcher plans to rotate 12 players, including freshmen Thokbor Majak, Elzie Harrington, and Tae Simmons, making this a true test of depth and potential.
But here’s the real question: Does this exhibition matter? Dutcher says neither team will be ‘upset with the outcome,’ but it’s a chance to see how players perform under pressure. For fans, it’s a rare opportunity to watch California’s two best programs of the past decade—but you’ll need to buy tickets (starting at $47.15) since there’s no TV coverage and only UCLA’s radio broadcast.
So, what do you think? Is this game a stepping stone for the Aztecs or just a paycheck for UCLA? Are charity exhibitions a win for players, or do they blur the line between amateurism and professionalism? Let us know in the comments—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss.
