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BYU's non-conference basketball slate is set. It is a challenging slate that features a trip to the Maui Invitational and could feature seven Quad 1 or Quad 2 games. One of those high-quality opponents is San Diego State, with the former WAC and Mountain West rivals facing off in Palm Springs, California, on Dec. 19.
Tucked away in BYU's official schedule release is a return for a neutral-site game at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City. There is no date set yet, but it likely will be sometime in December of 2027.
Having these two teams back on the schedule is good for both schools. There have been some great games in this all-time series, with the pinnacle being when San Diego State came to BYU in a game that featured Kawhi Leonard and Jimmer Fredette in a top-10 matchup in 2011.
This upcoming game against San Diego State will be the 79th all-time meeting between the two schools and the first since 2023, when BYU won 74-65 at the Marriott Center.
BYU has won the majority of the games against the Aztecs. The Cougars have a 51-26 overall record in the series that dates to the 1940-41 season. However, San Diego State has performed better in the past 10 matchups, winning seven.
Aztecs head coach Brian Dutcher is a big fan of this rivalry returning for at least two seasons.
“We are looking forward to renewing our series against Brigham Young, one of the most storied rivalries in West Coast basketball, at this year's Acrisure Series," Dutcher said via the Desert Sun. "Some of the most memorable and exciting games in San Diego State history have come against the Cougars, and it's been three years since our last meeting."
The reason this game matters for both schools is that it allows for a marquee matchup and usually a Quad 1 game and a team that is likely to be in the NCAA Tournament. Even a lose for either team would be considered a quality game.
It is good to have this game back, even if just for two years.
This article originally appeared on BYU Cougars Wire: BYU, San Diego State renew storied basketball series
