Men's basketball trails Aztecs 31-29 at the half

A battle for Southern California collegiate basketball dominance is taking place at the Honda Center for the John Wooden Classic between UCLA and San Diego State.

Despite being a neutral site and the game being played to honor the legendary Bruin coach, the arena has been largely marked in red from traveling Aztec fans.

Almost as empty as the UCLA student section, is the Bruin bench with freshman center Tony Parker sidelined with an ankle injury sustained against Cal State Northridge, UCLA only has seven scholarship players available.

The game remained neck and neck in the first half with seven lead changes.