Brian Dutcher’s team wasn’t at full strength, but it didn’t need to be to dispense of Long Beach State with little trouble.
San Diego State shook off a clunky start on the offensive end and coasted to a 77-45 win in their season debut.
Five Aztecs scored in double-figures, with Miles Byrd and freshman guard Elzie Harrington scoring 13 to lead the way. Miles Heide, Taj DeGourville and freshman forward Tae Simmons each added 10.
It took a little while for SDSU to find its offensive rhythm. They managed just 17 points over the first 13 minutes. Harrington hit a three to put the Aztecs ahead 20-18 with 6:50 remaining in the first half. Byrd scored eight points in a span of 68 seconds to go ahead 32-22.
The Aztecs led 40-25 by halftime and Long Beach never threatened the rest of the way.
Harrington provided the highlight of the evening, passing up on a three-pointer before showing off his athleticism with a gliding dunk in traffic. The six-foot-five-inch guard from St. John Bosco was the 73rd ranked recruit in the 2025 class.
Byrd went 3-for-5 from three, while the Aztecs finished 11-for-23 from long range.
In typical Aztec fashion they forced 21 turnovers.
Gwath sat out the opener while he recovers from offseason knee surgery. Dutcher said the seven-footer could be cleared for contact later this week. Dixon-Waters was a late scratch.
San Diego State hosts Idaho State on Sunday.
This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.
Want more insights? Join Working Title - our career elevating newsletter and get the future of work delivered weekly.
