In a thrilling opening game of the Players Era Festival held in Las Vegas, the San Diego State Aztecs triumphed over the No. 21-ranked Creighton Bluejays with a decisive 71-53 victory. This win marked a significant bounce-back for the Aztecs after experiencing a double-digit home loss to the powerhouse Gonzaga just a week prior.

The Aztecs took full advantage of an undermanned Creighton team that was without its starting point guard, Steven Ashworth, who was sidelined due to a severe ankle sprain. The absence of Ashworth was palpable on the court, as Creighton struggled offensively, only managing to score with five players compared to SDSU's balanced attack.

San Diego State’s successful performance in Las Vegas continues their impressive 58-16 record in the city over the last 16 seasons, and this was their inaugural game at the iconic MGM Grand Garden Arena. The last time these two teams faced off in Las Vegas was in 2019, where the Aztecs dominated with a staggering 31-point victory.

The Aztecs now boast a 3-1 record and are looking ahead to face Oregon in their next matchup, scheduled for Wednesday. With the unique structure of the Players Era Festival, where advancement to the championship on Saturday depends on the results from pre-determined games, a victory against Oregon would significantly bolster SDSU's chances of competing in the finals.

Key player BJ Davis led the Aztecs with 18 points and nine rebounds, showcasing his talent with a series of impressive three-pointers. Alongside him, Miles Byrd contributed effectively with 16 points, highlighting the Aztecs' depth as ten different players made it onto the scoreboard. The team combined for an impressive shooting percentage of 48.4%, including a strong 47% from beyond the arc.

Highlights from the game included crucial moments such as Gwath Magoon's buzzer-beater at the end of the first half and a dominant defensive showing that saw Byrd and Magoon combining to block multiple shots from Creighton’s star center, Ryan Kalkbrenner, who ended up with only 11 points.

Coach Brian Dutcher praised his team's resilience and adaptability in the face of previous setbacks, crediting their commitment to improvement and teamwork as key factors in their victory.

While the Bluejays struggled to maintain their offensive rhythm, with key players unable to step up in Ashworth's absence, they did momentarily close the gap in the second half. However, the Aztecs swiftly countered every attempt Creighton made, demonstrating both their offensive prowess and defensive tenacity.

This remarkable victory not only boosts the Aztecs' morale but also sets the stage for their next game against Oregon, where they aim to maintain their momentum and advance toward the championship round of the festival.