Utah always seems to bring a well-balanced game against SDSU. Saturday night was no exception.
After narrowly escaping a late charge in a 70-68 January win over Utah, the Aztecs were again forced to provide late game heroics in Saturday’s 68-61 victory.
The Aztecs (20-7; 9-4 MWC) led 14-4 early on, but gave up a 14-4 Utah run that tied the game at 18. But SDSU answered with to take a 36-26 lead into halftime on a run highlighted by a Kawhi Leonard dunk. SDSU Head Coach Steve Fisher discussed how pleased he was with the way his team started the game, and how the Aztecs were able to whether the Utes storm ultimately winning them the game.
It’s a bit early, of course, to crown champions in college basketball. But in their home opener Tuesday night against cross-town rival USD, the San Diego State women’s basketball gave a glimpse of what they’re capable of.
Dominating the Toreros in every single category, the Aztecs rolled to a 79-52 victory that wasn’t nearly as close as the final margin indicated. SDSU led 45-19 at halftime and by as many as 35 points midway through the second half.
You want dominance on the inside? Check. SDSU out-rebounded USD 22-6 in the first half and finished with more offensive rebounds (21) than the Toreros had total rebounds (15).
Junior transfer Jessika Bradley used her 6-foot-3 frame to clear out plenty of space underneath and finished with a double-double (14 points, 10 rebounds).
You want excellence from he perimeter? Check. Led by guard Jerica Williams off the bench, the Aztecs connected on 7-of-10 3-point shots in the game. Williams was 3-for-3 from distance and guard Coco Davis hit on 2-for-2.
Looking for disruption on defense? Check. Senior guards Jene Morris and Quenese Davis harassed USD all night, each getting four steals, and helping to force 21 USD turnovers. SDSU scored 29 points off the the mistakes they constantly created.
