Aztecs Basketball Preview: SDSU hosts Cal State Fullerton for 2026-27 season opener
Credit: Don De Mars/EVT Sports
Cal State Fullerton vs. San Diego State
Steve Fisher Court – Viejas Arena – San Diego State University
Tuesday, November 3 @ 7 pm PT
TV: YouTube
The time has finally come – A new era for Brian Dutcher and SDSU hoops – Welcome to the PAC-12, San Diego State basketball
The first official contest in the Pac-12 era will be against a familiar opponent, Cal State Fullerton. The Aztecs and Titans are meeting for the 35th time overall (SDSU leads 24-10). The last two meetings at Viejas Arena were in 2022 and 2023 and ended 80-57 and 83-57, respectively. San Diego State is seeking its 42nd consecutive win against the current Big West lineup. The last time an Aztec squad lost to a current member of the league was an overtime defeat in 2004, against UC Santa Barbara, per SDSU Media.
Inside The Matchup
On Monday, head coach Brian Dutcher, Elzie Harrington, and Jeremiah “Bear” Cherry discussed the keys to playing Cal State Fullerton, and all three emphasized the Titans’ three-point shooting.
“Take away the threes. I think they are making 15 per game, or something like that. We got to take care of the ball better, that is something we have struggled with,” Harrington said.
Bear Cherry followed with: “No live-ball turnovers so they can get out and shoot threes and such. I feel like they are undersized, so use that to our advantage.”
“Any team that shoots the three like that is always dangerous. We have tried to pay attention to doing a good job of guarding the line. They are a dangerous team. Maybe more dangerous than I wanted in the opener. They have bigs that can shoot. (Bear) has to be able to get out to shooters at times. That is the challenge,” Dutcher added.
Getting to Know the Titans
Cal State Fullerton is coming off an exhibition game where they defeated Fresno State 96-78. This squad can definitely put up points.
Joshua Ward might be the best player for the Titans. He scored 31 points against the Bulldogs back on October 24. He averaged 14.5 points per game last season and was an All-Big West Second-Team player. He led the team in points and assists while starting all 34 games last season for the Titans. Ward’s return to the program is massive for head coach Dedrique Taylor.
Sophomore Christian Williams started in 30 of his 34 appearances during his freshman campaign and led the team in three-pointers (64) and steals (65). Williams is a solid player who will make a major impact this season.
Bailey Nunn (originally from Melbourne, Australia) started four games for the Titans last season and previously played for Sacramento State for two seasons. However, he and Cherry were not teammates. Nunn averaged 5.4 points and 2.1 rebounds last season.
Graduate Student Drew McConnell could be a name to watch. Though he has bounced around three different programs. He was an elite ball player in high school in Georgia.
Senior Davis White started 12 games last season, averaging 3.0 points and 1.7 rebounds. He could be a solid veteran for the Titans this season.
Senior Kendrick De Luna will aim to be a defensive presence for the Titans. He appeared in all 34 games last season, but averaged only 2.5 rebounds.
Freshmen Marley Zeller, Anthony Ponga, Henry Beckett, and Greg Howard Jr. could get some real playing time this season. Against San Diego State, it is unclear if they will earn any minutes.
Aztec Updates
“Elzie has missed four days of practice with that ankle he suffered against Long Beach,” Dutcher said. “I think he will practice today (Monday). If so, I will probably keep him in the starting lineup. If he warms up and feels good, then that would be the time to put him out there.”
“We may shift the lineup depending on how guys are playing. (Luka) Skoric is getting better. I am sure he will push for a starting opportunity at some point this season. I have a lot of really good players. So that is the good news,” Dutcher added.
San Diego State opened as a -16.5 point favorite on DraftKings.
Expected Starting 5
As Dutcher mentioned, Harrington will start if he is able to go.
- Chance Gladden
- Elzie Harrington
- Latrell Davis
- Tae Simmons
- Jeremiah Cherry
If Harrington cannot play, then it makes sense to start Isaiah Sy. However, Dutcher did mention that Sy is a “day or two away” from being back in the rotation. There is a chance he doesn’t play either.
Skoric, Luca Vincini, David Torresani and Zach White will earn minutes off the bench. It will be interesting to see how the staff envisions White’s minutes.
Those 10 should get the majority of the playing time this season, while Thokbor Majak, Jel Malek, and Samson Mashebinu wait their turn. If either Cherry or Vincini gets into foul trouble, then Majak will get some minutes. Dutcher won’t be afraid to play small with Skoric at the four. Dutcher called Skoric a “real stretch-four” on Monday.
Mashebinu is on the broadcast roster, but not the lineup card provided by SDSU media. He could/should suit up Tuesday night as Harrington and Sy are essentially game-time decisions. Raymer Gonzales and Cooper Cornelius are not on the lineup card or broadcast roster. Those two may not suit up unless Harrington and Sy are ruled out.
Final Thoughts
Latrell Davis played much better against USC and Long Beach State after a stinker against Arizona. He is expected to be a major part of the offense this season. If Dutcher was right about his game, then he should be the top scorer for the Aztecs this season. There is nobody more excited to prove themselves in this contest than Davis.
Look for Cherry to dominate the glass and use his relentless force to score baskets in the paint. The Titans are undersized, and Cherry will aim to take advantage of it.
If the Aztecs contain the Titans’ three-point shooting, San Diego State should win this game easily.
Chris is a graduate of the University of San Diego. He is the former Sports Editor for the USDVista newspaper. Chris has covered the San Diego Loyal, and now covers San Diego State Men’s Basketball. He also contributes regularly about the Padres. Chris is an athlete and is a huge fan of San Diego sports.