If there’s one thing that San Diego State coach Brian Dutcher can be happy about, it’s that his Aztecs have a third exhibition game before the regular season starts.

That’s because the second exhibition game was pretty ugly and there’s plenty to work on before the games count for real.

The Aztecs trailed the whole way on their home court at Viejas Arena, losing 85-68 Friday night to Southern Cal, which is ranked No. 21 in the preseason Associated Press Top 25. It was the second straight loss to a Top 25 team after an 82-67 defeat at No. 5 Arizona a week earlier.

Final from @ViejasArena #GoAztecs pic.twitter.com/yalWCMN3Dq

— San Diego State Men's Basketball (@Aztec_MBB) October 24, 2026

The good news is that the competition will ease up when the Aztecs host Long Beach State in the final exhibition, Wednesday night at Viejas Arena. The regular season starts Nov. 3 at home against Fullerton State.

Below is a look at three key takeaways for San Diego State after their second exhibition loss:

1.…