BJ Davis scored a career-high 18 points and San Diego State upended No. 21 Creighton 71-53 on Tuesday, the opening day of the Players Era Festival at the MGM Grand Garden. The Blue Jays struggled to find their offensive rhythm against a San Diego State defense that generated eight steals and scored 13 points off turnovers.

Two came against the Aztecs — the 85-83 win at Viejas Arena in 2011 after trailing by 17, and the 72-69 overtime win in the 2022 NCAA Tournament in Fort Worth, Texas, after trailing by nine inside 2:30 to go in regulation.

Sophomore BJ Davis recorded career highs with 18 points and nine rebounds, lifting San Diego State to a 71-53 victory over No. 21 Creighton on Tuesday in the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas.

San Diego State coach Brian Dutcher and his players spewed all the usual cliches after a rare double-digit home loss against No. 3 Gonzaga eight days ago, about being young, about learning to play with each other,

Tuesday in their first matchup in the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas. Why it matters: Beating Creighton, a ranked opponent and perennial NCAA Tournament player, gives SDSU a solid win for their resume before they begin conference play.