AZTECS BEAT BOISE ST., ADVANCE TO MW CHAMPIONSHIP

 

Source: GoAztecs

 

 

March 14, 2024 (Las Vegas) -- The San Diego State women's basketball (22-12) outlasted Boise State (21-13) 72-69 in the semifinals of the Mountain West Tournament to advance to their first championship game since 2013. The Aztecs will face the regular season champion, No. 21/19 UNLV, on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.

 

"I thought our preparation for this tournament has been exceptional," Head Coach Stacie Terry-Hutson said after the game. "It started a couple of weeks ago, but it definitely stepped up for this tournament. These young women have been through a lot, and it's just fun to see them have the success that they've had. The job is not done, but we will celebrate this win tonight."

 

SDSU led by as many as 13 points, only to see the Broncos roar back to grab a lead with 2:35 left in the fourth quarter. The Aztecs closed out the game with multiple defensive stops and clutch free throws.

 

Adryana Quezada scored a season-high 26 points on 8-for-11 shooting while going 10-for-12 from the line.

 

"She's a hard shotmaker," Terry-Hutson said after the game. "She makes big baskets, and she's hard to guard because of her footwork. It's been fun to watch her this year, and I'm really proud of her success."

 

Jada Lewis added 12 points, Kim Villalobos had 11 and Abby Prohaska had nine points and eight rebounds.

 

After a back-and-forth first quarter, SDSU went on an 8-0 run in the second quarter and led 36-29 at the half with a 10-1 advantage in turnovers.

 

Boise State made five quick points in the first 45 seconds of the third quarter, prompting an Aztec timeout. SDSU then responded with an 8-0 run to push their lead to 10.

 

The Aztecs would lead by as much as 13 points before the Broncos went on a 16-3 run to tie the game early in the fourth quarter.

 

After falling behind by two, Prohaska made a jumper and then split a pair of free throws. Quezada was 4-for-4 from the line down the stretch, giving the Aztecs a three-point lead with 14 seconds left. SDSU got one more stop and then Villalobos collected the rebound as the clock expired.

 

The Broncos were led by Mya Hansen's 19 points.

 

The Aztecs won the turnover battle 20-9.

 

Adryana Quezada's 26 points was a season-high and the most in a Mountain West Tournament semifinal game since 2018.

 

The Aztecs will play in their sixth championship game and first since 2013.

 

The Aztecs will place first place UNLV in the championship game Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. The game will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network.