San Diego State Routes Cal State Fullerton 102-78
The Aztecs opened the season with a 24-point win at Viejas Arena, extending their home-opener streak to 22.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Basketball
San Diego State defeated Cal State Fullerton 102-78 in the season opener at Viejas Arena on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. The Aztecs won their 22nd straight home opener and improved Brian Dutcher's home-opener record to 10-0.
Why it matters
The win marks another strong start for San Diego State's basketball program at its home arena. It also extends a long run of home-opener success that reflects the program's consistency under Dutcher.
Latrell Davis scored 18 first-half points and Elzie Harrington added nine in the opening two minutes of the second half. San Diego State shot 23 of 25 from the free-throw line in the first 20 minutes but committed eight turnovers.
The players
Brian Dutcher
Brian Dutcher is the head men's basketball coach at San Diego State, and his record in home openers now stands at 10-0.
Latrell Davis
Latrell Davis is a San Diego State guard who scored 18 first-half points in the season opener.
The details
Cal State Fullerton had 58 points after 24 minutes, but San Diego State pulled away in the second half. A video challenge reversed an out-of-bounds call against the Aztecs, and a late first-half foul on Davis with 0.3 seconds left added free throws for San Diego State.
Timeline
Tuesday, November 3, 2026: San Diego State defeats Cal State Fullerton 102-78 at Viejas Arena.
Saturday: San Diego State plays Colorado at Pechanga Arena in the Bill Walton Classic.
Season Trajectory
The season-opening result extends San Diego State's home-court pattern at Viejas Arena, where the program has now won 22 straight home openers. A strong start at home sets up the Aztecs' early-season schedule, including the Bill Walton Classic matchup with Colorado.
The Aztecs' 10-0 home-opener record under Dutcher gives fans a clear benchmark for the early season. Saturday's Bill Walton Classic game against Colorado is the next chance to see how the team's depth performs away from Viejas Arena.
The takeaway
San Diego State's depth and free-throw production were visible in the season opener, and the turnover count is worth watching as the schedule tightens. Fans should track how the rotation holds up at Pechanga Arena on Saturday.
What happens next
San Diego State plays Colorado at Pechanga Arena on Saturday in the Bill Walton Classic.
Further reading
Follow more San Diego basketball coverage for the Aztecs' full early-season schedule.
