Before their game against Cal, San Diego State Coach Steve Fisher announced that Malik Pope, Matt Shrigley, Max Hoetzel, and Valentine Izundu would all play.
The Aztecs needed every one of those players to step up in order to beat a good California team, and they did by a score of 77-65.
The win was an important first step for a San Diego State team that does not have many opportunities to pick up quality wins in their non-conference schedule.
They already blew their chance against Gonzaga and their only two other big games were against California and a home game against Arizona State at Viejas on December 10th.