The Oregon Ducks and the San Diego State Aztecs faced off in Las Vegas as part of the 2025 Players Era Festival. Both teams were looking to bounce back from tough losses in their tournament debuts.
Ducks Seek to Rebound After Auburn Loss
The Oregon Ducks, the reigning champions of the tournament, suffered a defeat against the No. 22 Auburn Tigers. Turnovers proved costly, with the Ducks committing 18. While Takai Simpkins led the scoring with 22 points, it wasn't enough to secure a win. Key players like Nate Bittle and Jackson Shelstad needed to improve their performance for the game against San Diego State.
Aztecs Aim to Recover From Michigan Mauling
San Diego State Aztecs were defeated by the No. 7 Michigan Wolverines. Top players Miles Byrd and Magoon Gwath struggled, combining for only 12 points. The Aztecs needed to refocus and bring their A-game against Oregon.
Game Recap
Early in the game, the Ducks tried a zone defense to contain the Aztecs' offense. However, San Diego State managed to find open shots and extend their lead. The Aztecs went on an 8-0 run, prompting a timeout from Oregon coach Dana Altman. Jackson Shelstad found his rhythm, scoring several consecutive points to keep the Ducks in the game.
Historical Context
Oregon leads the all-time series against San Diego State 4-3. The Ducks defeated the Aztecs in last year's Players Era Festival. Oregon has a strong track record in Las Vegas under Coach Altman.
Looking Ahead
This game was important for both teams as they aimed to regain momentum in the Players Era Festival. The tournament offers a $1 million NIL payout to all participating teams, with an additional $1 million for the winner, adding extra incentive for success.