UC San Diego women’s basketball will meet crosstown opponent San Diego for the first time as Division I programs Saturday at the inaugural Bill Walton Classic. The neutral-site game at Pechanga Arena is expected to start around 3 p.m., after San Diego State’s men face Colorado. The matchup also previews a future West Coast Conference rivalry: UC San Diego is set to join the WCC in 2027-28.

By the Numbers
  • UC San Diego: 0-1; San Diego: 1-0.
  • All-time series: San Diego leads 11-2; the teams last met in 2009.
  • UC San Diego lost its opener 79-63 at No. 15 Washington.
  • The Tritons finished 24-9 overall and 17-3 in Big West play in 2025-26.
Yes, But

San Diego leads the historical series, but this is the programs’ first meeting since UC San Diego moved to Division I in 2020. The Tritons enter after a loss to a ranked Washington team, while the Toreros are coming off a win.

What's Next

UC San Diego is scheduled to host Portland State on Nov. 12, beginning a run of three games at LionTree Arena.

Bottom Line

Saturday’s game is both an early-season test and a first look at a rivalry that will gain conference stakes when the Tritons join the WCC.