On October 16, the San Diego State Aztecs will step onto the hardwood at McKale Center in Tucson for a preseason exhibition against the Arizona Wildcats, a game that has been confirmed by Arizona’s schedule release.
A New Coaching Era
The matchup serves as an early barometer for a San Diego State team that has overhauled its roster under veteran coach Brian Dutcher, who took over after a season that ended with a 22‑11 record but left the Aztecs feeling snubbed by the NCAA tournament committee.
Arizona arrives with momentum from a 36‑3 campaign that culminated in a Final Four appearance, a run that ended only in the national semifinals against Michigan, and they hold a 26‑7 edge in the all‑time series against the Aztecs.
The last time the Wildcats visited Tucson, they posted an 87‑60 victory in the 2022 Maui Invitational semifinals, and their most recent win at McKale Center dates back to November 23, 2011, when they edged the Aztecs 61‑57.
Beyond the exhibition, both programs are navigating a reshaped landscape; San Diego State and Utah State now compete in the reborn Pac‑12, while Arizona has been a Big 12 member since the conference realignment three summers ago.
The Aztecs’ schedule also includes contests against Colorado, Iowa State, Tennessee, Maryland, BYU, Fullerton State, UNLV, Montana State and Long Island, offering a varied slate that tests depth and chemistry before the regular season begins.
Fans will note the familiar venues that pepper the non‑conference slate, from the historic Viejas Arena in San Diego to the modern Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, each providing a distinct atmosphere for the team’s preparation.