UCLA at San Diego State 11/25/20 - College Basketball Picks & Predictions

The No. 22 ranked UCLA Bruins visit Viejas Arena in San Diego, California on Tuesday to play the San Diego State Aztecs in the opening game of the college basketball regular season for both. UCLA was 19-12 overall and 12-6 in the Pac-12 last season. The Bruins won 11 of their final 14 games of the regular season and were expected to play in the Big Dance before it was canceled.  Each of the five starters and top five scorers from last season return for UCLA.

Chris Smith decided to return and play for his final season with UCLA after averaging 13.1 points per game last season along with 5.4 rebounds. Smith is expected to play in the NBA and should be one of the best players in the Pac-12. The other four starters Jalen Hill, Cody Riley, Tyger Campbell and Jaime Jaquez averaged between 8.3 and 9.0 points per game last season. Just two new players were added to the roster freshman Jaylen Clark and transfer Johnny Juzang from Kentucky. Juzang was one of the top transfers available and helps to make UCLA a legitimate contender for not only the Pac-12 but the national championship.

San Diego State had in impressive 2019-20 season going 30-2 overall and 17-1 in the Mountain West Conference. The Aztecs started the season 26-0 and were expected to be a No. 2 in the NCAA tournament. However, three starters were lost from last season's team. The two returning starters Matt Mitchell and Jordan Schakel average 12.2 points and 10.0 points respectively. Four other players that saw action last season return for San Diego State as well.

The Aztecs added three transfers and six freshmen to their roster. The base is set with returners Mitchell, Schakel, Nathan Mensah and Trey Pulliam, while the addition of Terrell Gomez, who averaged 19 points per game in his final two years at Cal State Northridge and Joshua Tomiac, who played at Maryland but did not see much playing action, give the Aztecs and excellent roster to once again battle for the MWC title.