San Diego State Falls to USC in Exhibition 85-68 San Diego State's opener against USC ends in a setback as the Aztecs' smaller lineup succumbs to the Trojans' dominant frontcourt, while key players like Elzie Harrington demonstrate promise amid a tough game. San Diego State entered the long‑awaited season in a testing environment on Friday night, taking on their first opponent of the year in an exhibition game against the University of Southern California at Viejas Arena. The Aztecs, still adjusting to a roster that has been shaken by offseason moves and a recent wrist injury, faced a Trojans squad that boasted a staggering 7‑foot line, generating an atmosphere that felt almost mythical for any basketball fan. From the first quarter to the close of the second, the Aztecs struggled to impose their game plan, ultimately falling 85‑68 as the Trojans' size and athleticism overwhelmed San Diego's smaller lineup. The game began with promise for the Aztecs.Elzie Harrington Leads Aztec RallyWhen five‑star player Elzie Harrington pushed a drive down the lane and followed it with a thunderous dunk, the score faded to a 20‑19 deficit, hinting that the climbing tide might rise. Indeed, after the second period, the Aztecs turned in a robust 60‑point effort, picking up a 13‑point advantage thanks to a well‑executed press that forced five TURBO‑dominant turnovers and an uncharacteristic slickness from their perimeter shooters.Nonetheless, USC capitalised on every scrap: their frontcourt produced a 60‑percent shooting strike, and a blend of veteran guard Rodney Rice and newcomers forced the Aztecs into the treacherous fray, building a 15‑0 run that re‑established the Trojans' control. The Aztecs' roster, marked by a decommission of 10‑man rotation, exposed itself during the turnover storm, scoring only the final five points of the first half with five minutes to go before the Aztecs' own missed free throws and an ill‑timed airball from Isaiah Sy cut any potential comeback.In the third quarter, however, San Diego stayed patient, taking advantage of USC's fatigue to ripple through the ball and to push the score line to a narrower 60‑48. A 3‑point rail‑shot from freshman Zach White narrowed the gap to single digits, galvanizing team confidence, only for the Trojans to cement a double‑digit lead with a 7‑0 run after two more Aztec misplays.Even with their size disadvantage, Harrington returned to his usual aggressive style, scoring 19 points that included perfect touch from beyond the arc, bolstering his increasingly credible name on NBA radars. The Aztecs' veteran guard Jeremiah "Bear" Cherry added 16 points, while forward Latrell Davis chipped in 11 points.Aztecs Look Ahead To ScheduleThe game's final moments offered nothing more than a glimpse of an otherwise disappointing outing, as the defense bared its shortcomings and the shooting bled rueful as the scoreline reflected the Aztecs' performance. Looking ahead, the Aztecs plan to ride a lighter schedule, experiencing another ranked opponent only on Thanksgiving week against No. 18 Iowa State at the Players Era in Las Vegas.Co‑athletes and coach Brian Dutcher tempered the blow of disappointment with optimism, weighing the 12‑day break to regroup, study game footage, and mend the fragile defensive assignments that faltered in both games.Coach Dutcher Emphasizes Growth"We've got a lot of growing to do," Dutcher told reporters, "but the talent is there, in my opinion. " Harrington rested on his determination, citing the competitive thrill of the Trojans as a catalyst for improvement. The Aztecs, while still lap‑banging ahead of the start of the regular season, remain on an upward trajectory, aiming to harness their natural talent to develop into a repeating contender this year.