Forfans going to the San Diego State men’s basketball exhibition againstBranch West at 7 p.m. tonight, the game might resemble an intra-squadscrimmage. Two former Aztecs, DeAndre Moore and Brandon Smith, willsquare off against their friends and former teammates.

Moore, SDSU’s leading passer and fourth-leading scorer, willreturn to his former stomping grounds to face off against hisreplacement, guard Wesley Stokes.

Smith, meanwhile, may battle with Brandon Heath and John Sharper.Smith wore the Aztecs’ red and black for one season, in 2001-02,after transferring from Michigan.

SDSU fared well in its exhibition opener, defeating the L.A. Stars85-55 last Tuesday at home. Although the game was an exhibition, itgave them some idea of what to look forward to in the upcomingseason.

Heath nailed seven-of-11 shots for 16 points, while his backcourtmate, Stokes, added 13 points and six assists. After redshirting lastseason, forward Chris Walton returned to the team with a flurry,tallying a double-double (11 points, 10 boards).

Forward Aerick Sanders played well in the post, hitting onfive-of-nine shots and grabbing 10 rebounds. He looked like areliable inside presence, something the Aztecs grossly need with theloss of center Mike Mackell.

SDSU opens its regular season against Long Beach State next Fridayand then ventures to the sandy beaches of Hawaii for the MauiInvitational Tournament.

The Aztecs’ first true test will come on Dec. 13, when they willmatch up against crosstown rival USD in Linda Vista. The Toreros madeit to the NCAA Tournament last season, but have lost their top fourscorers.

– Jon Gold