San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913

The Daily Aztec

San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913

The Daily Aztec




San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913

The Daily Aztec

Shorthanded Aztecs dominate rebounds, survive against Broncos

Photo by Wesley Beights, Staff Photographer
Photo by Wesley Beights, Staff Photographer

With under a minute left, senior guard Danesha Long walked down the court next to junior forward Chairese Culberson. Both were smiling and had an arm on the other’s shoulder.

For a team that’s living in the shadows of the men’s program, the San Diego State women’s basketball team suited up eight players and delivered a solid victory on Wednesday night at Viejas Arena, withstanding a late charge by Boise State to win 75-65.

Four Aztecs finished in double figures, with freshman guard Ariell Bostick’s 19-point performance and senior center Cierra Warren’s double-double of 18 points and 13 rebounds leading the way.

[quote]”With [Bostick’s] energy and her excitement, it trickles down to us and that’s what makes her such a great player,” Warren said after the game.[/quote]

“[Bostick] is and can be one of the best point guards in this league. When she plays well, and I’m not talking about the points, and manages the clock, manages the floor, manages the team, we’re going to win a lot of game,” Terry said about Bostick, who has essentially taken over the role of starting point guard.

SDSU outrebounded the Broncos 40-26, shot 54% from the floor, and converted on 19 free-throws as part of their all-around win.

“Our rebounding really set us apart. I thought we took advantage of the opportunities we got on the offensive end. Us making sure that we took good shots for the team, and we dominated on the glass,” Terry said. Warren recorded her fourth double-double of the season.

The Broncos came in with the hot hand, a 7-2 record in the Mountain West Conference and the most three-pointers made in the conference. The Aztecs on the other hand, were torched by Colorado State’s 19 three-pointers last Saturday. From the outset, Boise St. was going to shoot threes.

Except SDSU had other plans. An 11-0 start got the ball rolling and they didn’t look back. From the beginning, the Aztecs energy and tenacity gave them rebounds and second chances, which they put away numerous times en route to a 38-29 halftime lead.

On a side note, the Broncos were without their starting point guard Yaiza Rodiriguez, who dislocated her pinky finger on her shooting hand late in the first half.

Nevertheless, Boise State tried to close the gap, but the Aztecs answered every time. Danesha Long, who finished with 14 points, five assists and five rebounds, passed inside to Khristina Hunter who promptly finished to put SDSU up 46-34 to cap off an 8-0 run to start the second half. Hunter would finish with 11 points and four rebounds.

Things quickly changed. A 12-point lead became a two-point lead thanks to Kayla Reinhart’s three-pointers. But the Aztecs held the Broncos at bay, thanks to some flashy moves by Bostick including a stepback jump shot to make it 70-63 with under three minutes to play.

Some free-throws at the end sealed the deal for SDSU, who improved to 8-11 overall this season.

“I knew that they would get hot and make a run…but I’m proud of our team for being able to close out games. This team in November would have lost this game,” Terry remarked.

With the win, the Aztecs go into Saturday’s game at University of Nevada Reno with a 5-4 record in the conference, something very critical at this stage of the season.

[quote]”We’re fighting for a seed [in the Mountain West Conference tournament] and we’re trying to knock off everybody that’s ahead of us.[/quote]

Tip-off on Saturday is at 4 p.m.

 

Photo by Wesley Beights, Staff Photographer

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San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913
Shorthanded Aztecs dominate rebounds, survive against Broncos