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.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — 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.

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,