The University of San Diego Toreros women’s basketball team, holding a 1-0 record after a road victory at New Mexico State, is set to face the UC San Diego Tritons women’s basketball team on November 7, 2026, at approximately 3 p.m. at Pechanga Arena in San Diego. This contest marks the first meeting between the two programs since 2009 and their first since UC San Diego’s elevation to Division I in 2020.
The game is part of the inaugural National University Bill Walton Classic, a doubleheader at Pechanga Arena that also features a men’s matchup between Colorado and San Diego State. Tickets purchased cover both events and are available through BillWaltonClassic.com.
UC San Diego opened its 2026-27 season with a 79-63 defeat at No. 15 Washington, while the Toreros started strong with a 61-56 comeback win at New Mexico State. UC San Diego will join the West Coast Conference on July 1, 2027, adding further significance as this game previews a future conference rivalry.
San Diego leads the historical series against UC San Diego, 9-0, with their last meeting occurring in 2009. The Bill Walton Classic honors the late Hall of Famer Bill Walton, a La Mesa native who died in 2024. Mark Neville, CEO of Sports San Diego, stated that the Classic aims to unite the city’s Division I basketball programs and celebrate Walton’s legacy.
Key performers for the Toreros include senior forward Kiera Pemberton, who scored 22 points on 9-of-11 shooting and grabbed seven rebounds in her USD debut, and junior guard Kylie Ray, who contributed 19 points with strong shooting and assists. UC San Diego is coached by Heidi VanDerveer, now in her 15th season, who has successfully guided the team from Division II through to competitive Division I play.
CSB Take
The upcoming National University Bill Walton Classic provides a renewed spotlight on San Diego’s women’s basketball programs, highlighting an important local rivalry and the transition of UC San Diego into the West Coast Conference. This event not only honors a legendary figure in Bill Walton but also sets the stage for an exciting era of competition between the Toreros and Tritons. Fans can anticipate a spirited game that signals both history and future conference implications.
Source: Original report
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