After winning two straight games, the San Diego State women’s basketball team suffered a loss in a heated contest against California State University, Fresno by a final score of 67-63 on Saturday.
The game came down to the final moments as SDSU made a run with 17 seconds left to try to erase a 10-point deficit. Aztec senior guard Danesha Long scored on a jumper and the ensuing free-throw attempt after a Bulldog foul. A few seconds later, freshman guard Chloe Johnson scored on a layup to cut Fresno’s lead to six points. With five seconds left SDSU junior forward Khristina Hunter sank two free throws and Johnson stole the next Fresno State possession, but the game ended on a missed 3-point try from Long.
“I like the way we finished the game,” head coach Stacie Terry said. “I thought they executed the way we needed them to in the press (defense) and getting themselves back into the game.”
The Aztecs shot 48.1 percent from the field in the second period, but also made only 7 of 14 free throw attempts during that time. Senior center Cierra Warren led the team in scoring with 21 points and added five total rebounds in 21 minutes on the court. Hunter also turned in a nice performance, scoring 10 points and posting nine total rebounds with three steals.
“We allowed them to dribble-drive into our zone and get paint points,” Terry said. “We didn’t contain the ball very well at the end … Fresno State is a very, very good team and they took advantage of the opportunities we gave them today.”
Both teams played well defensively. SDSU forced 15 Fresno turnovers while the Bulldogs forced 11 from the Aztecs. Both teams held each other scoreless for a stretch lasting nearly two full minutes with about seven minutes left in the game.
The Aztecs were again without freshman standout point guard Ariell Bostick, who Terry said is done for the season after tearing multiple ligaments in one of her knees. Injuries have forced the Aztecs to play the rest of the season with only eight healthy players, and the lack of depth showed in Saturday’s game—SDSU’s bench was outscored 28-12.
Looking ahead, Terry feels optimistic about the last two regular season games and the Mountain West Conference tournament starting March 10.
“We’re going to take the positives out of (the game) and focus on that … We’re down a ball handler and we’ve been practicing well at taking care of the ball,” Terry said. “Just continue to grow and get ready for the tournament. We’re a tough team to play and prepare for, so I don’t think any team wants to see us on their side of the bracket.”
The Aztecs stay at Viejas Arena for their next matchup against the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Rebels at 6 p.m. on Tuesday. SDSU is 8-8 against MW opponents and will look to gain momentum with the conference championship right around the corner.
Photo by Kelly Smiley, Staff Photographer
