Michigan's fast-paced offense clashes with San Diego State's lockdown defense in a Vegas showdown fueled by NIL and a familiar coaching rivalry.
The bright lights of Las Vegas are set to host a high-stakes, early-season clash as the No. 7 Michigan Wolverines (4-0) prepare to face the perennial Mountain West power, the San Diego State Aztecs (2-1), in the opening game of the highly-anticipated 2025 Players Era Festival. This marquee matchup, scheduled for Monday night at the Michelob ULTRA Arena, is more than just a non-conference tilt; it’s an early litmus test for both programs and a fascinating coaches' reunion.
A New Era and a Familiar Foe
The buzz around the inaugural Players Era Festival is palpable, largely due to its focus on Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) and its stacked field of elite programs. For Michigan and its second year head coach, Dusty May, this tournament is an immediate opportunity to prove that the highly-touted offseason additions and May's fast-paced system can translate against a historically rugged opponent.
Adding a compelling layer to the storyline is the reunion between Coach May and San Diego State's head man, Brian Dutcher. The two last crossed paths in a heartbreaking 2023 Final Four game, where Dutcher's Aztecs narrowly defeated May's Florida Atlantic team, 72-71. The competitive fire from that high-stakes affair is sure to linger, giving this early-season game a distinctly March-like feel.
Wolverine Weaponry: Firepower and Depth
Michigan enters the contest unblemished at 4-0, showcasing an offense capable of explosive output. The Wolverines' veteran forward, Yaxel Lendeborg, has been the motor, dominating the paint and flirting with double-doubles in every outing. With 1,196 career Division I points, he is on the cusp of a significant milestone and will be a handful for the Aztec frontcourt. Complementing Lendeborg's interior scoring is the dynamic playmaking of Elliot Cadeau, who, along with Lendeborg, is one of the only Wolverines to hit a three-pointer in all four games this season.
Coach May’s system is designed to leverage depth and versatility. The Wolverines have shown a willingness to push the pace, a style that could severely test the disciplined, half-court defense San Diego State is known for. The question for Michigan will be whether they can maintain offensive efficiency against a team that prides itself on suffocating defense and grinding possessions.
The Aztec Identity: Resiliency and Defense
San Diego State, while sitting at 2-1, already possesses the trademark grit and resilience that defines the program. Their lone loss was a thrilling, double-overtime 108-107 heartbreaker against Troy, a game that demonstrated their ability to go the distance, even if it exposed some early-season defensive lapses.
Under Coach Dutcher, the Aztecs are historically known for their elite defense. Last season, they averaged a combined opponent score of 136.1 points per game—significantly lower than the over/under of 149.5 set for this contest. Their challenge will be slowing down Michigan's enhanced tempo and handling the size and skill of Lendeborg. Guard Miles Byrd, who dropped 24 points in their last outing, will be key to San Diego State's offensive rhythm, needing to balance scoring with facilitating against a disciplined Michigan defense.
Key Matchups to Watch
• Yaxel Lendeborg (Michigan) vs. Aztec Frontcourt: This is the heavyweight battle. If Lendeborg can impose his will and force fouls, he could pull the Aztecs out of their defensive comfort zone. If SDSU can neutralize him with a rotation of physical defenders, the Wolverines will need their guards to step up.
• Dusty May's Tempo vs. Brian Dutcher's Defense: The coaching chess match is central to this contest. Will Michigan successfully turn the game into a track meet, or will San Diego State slow the action, force turnovers, and turn it into a physical, low-scoring grind? The winner of the pace battle will likely win the game.
Prediction
Michigan enters as the favorite, but this is a far from a simple victory. San Diego State thrives on playing the underdog role, and their recent history in big non-conference games—especially in neutral settings—is stellar. The altitude and late start time could favor the West Coast team, but the sheer offensive talent and early-season flow of Michigan's new system are hard to bet against.
Expect the game to be a defensive struggle in the first half as both teams feel each other out. However, Michigan’s depth and individual scoring ability, particularly from Lendeborg in the post, should eventually wear down the Aztecs. The Wolverines will pull away in the final minutes as San Diego State is forced to press the issue offensively.