San Diego State Aztecs Set to Face Arizona Wildcats

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A thrilling moment from the San Diego State Aztecs vs Arizona Wildcats basketball game.

News Summary

The San Diego State Aztecs will clash with the Arizona Wildcats in a highly anticipated college basketball matchup at the Footprint Center. This game is part of a four-team showcase event just ahead of winter break and marks a significant moment for both teams as they look to build strong seasons. With both teams currently ranked among the top in the nation, fans can expect a competitive showdown. Arizona currently leads the all-time series against SDSU and will seek to extend their winning streak.

Phoenix is set to witness an exciting college basketball matchup as the San Diego State Aztecs face off against the Arizona Wildcats on December 20. This game forms part of a four-team showcase event scheduled to take place at the Footprint Center. Although arrangements are still in the works, both coaches, Brian Dutcher of SDSU and Tommy Lloyd of Arizona, are reportedly collaborating on this match-up, according to multiple sources.

The upcoming game is especially significant as it occurs just before winter break and the start of conference play within NCAA basketball. It will be accompanied by another thrilling contest pitting Colorado against Stanford, making for a dynamic evening of college hoops.

Looking ahead to the next season, the Aztecs and the Wildcats are currently among the top-ranked teams in the nation, as noted by college basketball insider Jon Rothstein. SDSU and Arizona both appear in his top-30 teams for the 2023-2024 season, indicating expectations of strong performances from both programs.

For San Diego State, a key player awaiting future decisions is Miles Byrd, currently participating in the NBA Draft combine in Chicago. Byrd’s potential return could bolster the Aztecs’ team competitiveness as they aim for high rankings in the upcoming season. Alongside Byrd, returning players such as Magoon Gwath and Reese Waters are expected to contribute significantly to the team’s performance.

Arizona holds a historical advantage in head-to-head matches against San Diego State, currently leading the all-time series with a record of 25-7. The Wildcats are also riding a five-game winning streak over the Aztecs, having last defeated them on November 22, 2022, with a score of 87-70 during the Maui Invitational.

Under the leadership of coach Tommy Lloyd, Arizona has established a reputation for scheduling tough nonconference opponents. This upcoming season, they are set to challenge themselves against formidable teams such as the Florida Gators and UConn. The 2025-26 Arizona nonconference schedule looks to include games against several programs that participated in the 2023 and 2024 NCAA Tournaments, enhancing their competitive standing.

This matchup in December will mark Arizona’s third consecutive non-conference game within the city of Phoenix. The team previously suffered a narrow loss to UCLA in December 2024, falling by just three points, while they secured a victory against Alabama in 2023. The anticipation surrounding the upcoming game against the Aztecs adds to the excitement for the season ahead, underscoring the prominence of both programs in NCAA basketball.

As the December game approaches, it is clear that fans can expect an intense and significant showdown, which could have implications for both teams as they progress through the season. With Arizona’s historical advantage and the Aztecs’ determination to compete, this matchup promises to deliver thrilling moments and firm competition on the court.