San Diego State Aztecs Face UNLV Runnin’ Rebels in 83rd Rivalry Showdown

SAN DIEGO – The San Diego State Aztecs and UNLV Runnin’ Rebels will clash for the 83rd time in their storied rivalry on Saturday evening at Steve Fisher Court in Viejas Arena. The game, set to tip off at 5 p.m. PT, will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network. The Aztecs hold a 44-38 lead in the all-time series, including a dominant 17-7 record at home.

This matchup marks the first meeting since San Diego State’s thrilling 74-71 overtime victory over UNLV in the quarterfinals of the 2024 Mountain West Tournament. The Aztecs enter the game with momentum, having defeated Colorado State 75-60 in their last outing. Sophomore standout [Name] scored a career-high 25 points, including five 3-pointers, six rebounds, and seven steals, becoming the first player in Mountain West history to achieve such a stat line.

San Diego State’s defense has been a cornerstone of their success this season. The Aztecs rank No. 3 nationally in field goal percentage defense, holding opponents to just 35.9% shooting. They also lead the Mountain West and rank No. 9 nationally in 3-point field goal percentage defense at 28.0%. In their last 10 games, the Aztecs have won eight, averaging 75.1 points per game while limiting opponents to a 34.7% shooting percentage.

Head coach Brian Dutcher, in his eighth season, has led the Aztecs to five conference titles and seven Mountain West championship game appearances. Under his leadership, San Diego State has become a defensive powerhouse, ranking No. 2 in block percentage and No. 6 in adjusted defensive efficiency nationally, according to KenPom.

UNLV, meanwhile, comes into the game with a 10-7 record, including a recent 65-62 victory over Utah State. The Rebels are led by point guard Dedan Thomas Jr., who averages 15.6 points and 4.5 assists per game. Despite their struggles against top-tier opponents, UNLV’s 37.1% 3-point shooting accuracy ranks second in the Mountain West.

The Aztecs will look to extend their 67-game win streak in Quad 3 or lower games, a streak that began after their last loss in such a game to UNLV in 2020. Fans attending the game will receive a Brian Dutcher bobblehead, and the event will also serve as the annual ALS Awareness Game, honoring those affected by the disease.

With both teams tied at 4-2 in Mountain West play, Saturday’s showdown promises to be a pivotal moment in the conference race. The Aztecs aim to continue their dominance at home, where they boast an .874 winning percentage in conference games since 2013-14.