Aztecs Set for Michigan Showdown at Players Era Festival

Our San Diego State Aztecs are once again taking their talents to Las Vegas for the expanded Players Era Festival. Kicking off with a challenging matchup against the No. 7 Michigan Wolverines, this tournament offers both high-stakes basketball and significant Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) funding, making every game a must-watch for local fans.

Tournament Excitement in Vegas

The Players Era Festival has returned, growing from an eight-team event to an 18-team spectacle. Beyond the on-court competition, this tournament is groundbreaking, promising each participating team a substantial $1 million in NIL funds, with an additional $1 million for the winner. Last year, our Aztecs, the only non-power conference team, surprised many by finishing third, securing impressive victories over No. 21 Creighton and No. 6 Houston before falling to eventual winner Oregon.

The Big Game: Aztecs vs. No. 7 Michigan

SDSU (2-1) is set to face a nationally ranked Michigan team on Monday night. This game holds particular significance for head coach Brian Dutcher, whose coaching career is deeply intertwined with Michigan. Dutcher served as an assistant to Steve Fisher at Michigan, including their memorable 1989 national championship run, and was instrumental in recruiting the legendary “Fab Five.”

Coach Dutcher’s Sentimental Return

For Coach Dutcher, facing Michigan is more than just another game. “We’re getting ready for a nationally ranked Michigan team, obviously with some meaning for me,” Dutcher shared. “I spent a lot of time there as an assistant coach and am excited for an opportunity to have a chance to play the Wolverines again. Obviously, we took a trip there a couple years ago, played them at their place, and came out on the losing end. So, looking for an opportunity to play a really good team on a neutral floor and see if we’re up for the task.”

The Aztecs previously met Michigan on December 4, 2021, suffering a 72-58 loss in Ann Arbor when Juwan Howard, a member of the Fab Five, coached the Wolverines. This time, it’s a neutral court, providing a fresh challenge for our team.

Michigan’s Current Form and Tournament Outlook

The Wolverines come into the festival undefeated at 4-0, boasting convincing wins over Oakland and Middle Tennessee, alongside hard-fought victories against Wake Forest (in overtime) and TCU. Our Aztecs will need to bring their A-game to upset this strong opponent.

After the Michigan opener, the Aztecs will play Oregon on Tuesday night. A third opponent will be determined post-Tuesday games, based on overall record and point differential in the tournament. Historically, SDSU has a varied record against the festival’s teams, holding winning records against some powerhouses like Houston and St. John’s, and splits with others such as Creighton and Gonzaga.

How to Catch the Action

Don’t miss a moment of the Aztecs’ journey in Las Vegas! Here’s how San Diego fans can watch or listen to the highly anticipated game against Michigan:

Frequently Asked Questions for Aztecs Fans

• What is the Players Era Festival?
  It’s an expanded 18-team men’s college basketball tournament in Las Vegas, unique for offering $1 million in NIL funds to each participating team, plus an additional $1 million for the winner.
• What’s the history between SDSU and Michigan?
  The Aztecs are 0-1 against Michigan, having lost 72-58 in Ann Arbor in December 2021. Coach Brian Dutcher also has strong ties, having been an assistant at Michigan for years, including during their 1989 national championship.
• How did SDSU perform in last year’s festival?
  Last year, as the only non-power conference team, SDSU finished third in the inaugural eight-team event, beating No. 21 Creighton and No. 6 Houston, with their only loss to Oregon.
• What is Coach Brian Dutcher’s Michigan connection?
  Dutcher was an assistant under Steve Fisher at Michigan, helping to recruit the famed “Fab Five” and being part of their 1989 national championship. He later followed Fisher to SDSU in 1999.
• What’s next for the Aztecs after the Michigan game?
  Following Monday’s game, SDSU will face Oregon on Tuesday night. A third opponent will be determined after Tuesday’s games, based on team records and point differentials.

Get ready, San Diego! Our Aztecs are poised for an exciting tournament run. Tune in Monday night to support them as they take on Michigan and look to make another statement on the national stage.

Aztecs Face Michigan in Vegas Tournament for NIL