San Diego State meets Colorado in inaugural Bill Walton Classic

San Diego State and Colorado meet Saturday at 12:30 p.m. Pacific at Pechanga Arena, as the Aztecs continue a season-opening run of five games in San Diego County. The game will air on USA Network, with streaming available through DIRECTV, Sling TV and YouTube TV. The teams are each 1-0 entering the matchup.

The Aztecs opened their season Tuesday with a 102-78 win over Cal State Fullerton. Colorado beat Abilene Christian 94-59 that night. San Diego State finished last season 22-11, while Colorado went 17-16.

The game is the first Bill Walton Classic, honoring the Hall of Fame player and broadcaster, who grew up near San Diego State and continued to call San Diego home. Aztecs coach Brian Dutcher recalled meeting Walton while recruiting his son Chris and described Walton as a strong supporter of the team and the city.

Dutcher said Colorado would present a tougher test, pointing to its quality players and coach Tad Boyle. The Buffaloes averaged 26.4 points per game from their bench last season; San Diego State averaged 7.6 steals per game.