SDSU WOMEN'S BASKETBALL FALLS TO CENTRAL MICHIGAN IN OVERTIME 85-76

Aztecs suffer first loss of regular season at Junkanoo Jam tournament

Source:  goaztecs.com

Photo:  McKynzie Fort had 21 points vs. Central Michigan on Friday.  Courtesy goaztecs.com

November 24, 2017 (Bimini, Bahamas) - The San Diego State women’s basketball team experienced its first loss of the young season on Friday after dropping a tough 85-76 overtime decision to Central Michigan at the Junkanoo Jam.

Despite winning the turnover battle (4-16) and sinking more free throws (15-13), the Aztecs shot just 31.7 percent (31-82) from the field and were out-rebounded on the defensive glass (38-19).

SDSU (3-1) had four players finish in double figures, including McKynzie Fort, who totaled 21 points, while Geena Gomez contributed 15 points and a game-high seven assists. In addition, Lexy Thorderson and Naje Murray got into the act with 12 points each, while Baylee Vanderdoes grabbed a team-best 13 rebounds, including 11 on the offensive end.

However, the Aztecs were unable to contain the exploits of Tinara Moore, who led all players with 27 points and 19 rebounds, while Presley Hudson chipped in 16 points, highlighted by four triples. CMU (3-1) also received 13 points and six assists from Micaela Kelly, while Reyna Frost notched a double-double of her own with 11 points and 15 boards.          

Trailing 37-26 with 2:18 left in the second quarter after Hudson drained one of her aforementioned treys, SDSU caught lightning in a bottle, closing the half with a 12-0 surge to a take a 38-37 lead into the locker room. Gomez scored five points during the run, including a jumper with four seconds left, while Fort recorded two baskets as well.

The Chippewas regained the upper hand in the third period, building a seeming comfortable 58-49 bulge following Moore’s bucket with 1:47 to go in the quarter.

However, the Aztecs flashed their resiliency once again, unleashing an 18-3 blitz over the next six minutes and change to stake 67-61 lead with just under five minutes remaining in the fourth period. Cheyenne Greenhouse capped the run with a jumper, while Thorderson came up huge earlier with a pair of treys.

This time it was CMU’s turn to rally, with Frost connecting on a field goal at the 2:46 mark to tie the score at 70-70. Moore hit one of two free throws shortly thereafter to put the Chippewas in front, but Gomez quickly answered with jumper to give the Scarlet and Black a slim 72-71 lead with 1:57 to go.

With 49 seconds left the Aztecs upped their advantage to 73-71 when Fort sank one of two shots from the stripe. However, Kelly hit a jumper with six seconds on the clock to knot the score and send the game into overtime.

Disheartened, SDSU was unable to generate any offense in the extra session, shooting just 1 for 11 from the field, as CMU outscored the Aztecs down the stretch 12-3. The Chippewas Cassie Breen (10 pts) set the tone for the period with a trey.

San Diego State wraps up its Bahamas excursion on Saturday when it faces Tulane starting at 1:15 p.m.

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