SAN DIEGO – It's going to be hard to top this one.
After a game like that, the San Diego State Aztecs dropping a 108-07 double-overtime loss to the Troy Trojans, no one wants to go home empty-handed. However, in competitive sports there must be a winner and a loser.
That unfortunate price would be felt throughout the Viejas Arena, after the highest scoring game in the venue's history and was just SDSU's (2-1) 15th loss in their last 144 games against unranked opponents at home.
Aztecs head coach Brian Dutcher, who preaches defense over anything else, made it known that the defensive intensity was not up to par throughout the game, while also making sure to give credit to the Trojans (4-2) for sticking to their game plan.
“Giving up 89 points (in regulation) in a home game at Viejas is unheard of, much of that had to do with them (Troy), some of it had to do with us, and a little bit of both in between,” Dutcher said.
Aztecs defense vs Trojans offense
While watching the game, one could see what each team valued the most. Even for an exceptional team defense like the Aztecs, it's tough to guard against an offense that does all the little things right.
“We knew they were dangerous; they got five guys that spread the floor and can shoot the three this is the first time all year we had to switch every ball screen.” Dutcher said.
The Trojans average 87 points a game as a team for a reason. They have an offense that emphasizes being strong with the ball, making precision passes, and having all five guys on the court that can either attack the rim or hit the three-point shot. That is about as efficient an offense you can get.
Brandon Pollard - The Sporting Tribune
San Diego State Head Coach Brian Dutcher talks to San Diego State players during an NCAA Basketball game against Troy, Tuesday November 18, 2025 at Viejas Arena in San Diego, Calif.
Will offense be a question down the line for the Aztecs?
It is no secret the Aztecs pride themselves with defense over offense most nights its effective against the Trojans. It fell short. However, one message the Aztecs can take from this game is,
They can score.
Miles Byrd had 24 points, Magoon Gwath had 20 points, Reese Dixon-Waters added 16 points, and BJ Davis's 15 points plus Jeremiah Oden's 11 points — both defensive guys — all put their imprint on the game by scoring double figures.
Byrd emphasized postgame that the scoring output will be a collective effort throughout the rest of the season.
“From 1-10, 1-12 I think our team is super deep it's going to be anybody's night any night, it's not going to be consistent who's the number one scorer every game this year,” he said.
For someone like Byrd who was the reason the game went the distance after hitting the half-court shot at the end of regulation to send the game to overtime, he seems to understand the structure of the team and whats going to make them successful.
They are talented and it looks like they can play multiple ways game by game.
The Aztecs big man Gwath showed his ability to space the floor and shoot 3s while also being a force inside protecting the rim with three blocks. This would come all in his debut being on a minutes restriction.
“I felt good out there I didn’t feel like I need to get subbed or anything.” Gwath said.
This is the first game after coming back from knee surgery for Gwath. However, he not only felt good but looked even better and that is a weapon that will be utilized. Especially against their next opponent.
The Aztecs will have their hands full against the No. 7/6-ranked team in the nation, the Michigan Wolverines, when they open the three-game Players Era Festival in Las Vegas next Monday. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at the Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay on Nov. 24, with the game being televised on truTV and radio play-by-play on 760AM.