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.