SDSU WOMEN'S BASKETBALL TOPPLES SAN JOSE STATE 75-65

Source:  goaztecs.com

Photo:  Senior Geena Gomez led the Aztecs with a career-high 21 points.  Courtesy goaztecs.com

January 11, 2018 (San Jose) - The San Diego State women’s basketball team gave itself a much-needed win on Wednesday with an uplifting 75-65 triumph over San José State in a Mountain West clash at The Event Center.

With the victory, the Aztecs snapped a two-game losing streak, improving to 8-7 on the season and 2-2 in conference play, while the Spartans drop to 5-11 overall and 2-3 in the MW.

Four players combined for 62 of SDSU’s 75 points, including senior Geena Gomez, who notched a career-high 21 points on 8-for-15-shooting, highlighted by a trio of three-point baskets. In addition, fellow classmate McKynzie Fort came tantalizingly close to a triple-double for the second game in a row, finishing with 19 points, nine rebounds and seven assists.

Fort also connected on 8 of 15 attempts from the floor, while seniors Khalia Lark and Cheyenne Greenhouse aided the SDSU cause as well with 11 points each.

The two teams battled through five ties and five lead changes before the Aztecs broke a 24-24 deadlock with a 22-11 surge over the final 6:47 of the second quarter to vault in front for good. Gomez sparked the run with 10 points, including a pair of triples, while Greenhouse tallied six points off the bench to help the Scarlet and Black build a 46-25 advantage by intermission.

SDSU forged its biggest lead of the evening later in the third period after Gomez drove the length of the court for a layup, which gave the visitors a comfortable 58-42 cushion by the 3:43 mark.

Despite sinking just 3 of 16 shots (18.8 percent) in the fourth quarter, the Aztecs maintained their double-digit advantage throughout most of the quarter, including a 65-49 spread with 6:23 remaining in regulation following a Gomez jumper.

SJSU made things interesting down the stretch, narrowing the gap to six points on two occasions, including a 71-65 margin after Myzhanique Ladd finished off a layup with 30 seconds left. However, time was the enemy of the Spartans as SDSU drained four free throws in waning moments, including two by Greenhouse, to secure the win.

Ladd paced the host school with 16 points and a game-high 11 rebounds, while Taylor Turney chipped in 11 points of her own in the loss.

Collectively, the Aztecs shot 41.8 percent from the field (28-67), including a sparkling 76.9 percent clip (10-13) in the second quarter to help seize control. Conversely, SJSU was just 24-for-81 from the floor (29.6 percent), including a 5-for-23 pace beyond the arc (21.7 percent).

Additionally, SDSU pulled down a season-high 50 rebounds, maintaining a 35-24 advantage on the defensive glass. The Aztecs also outscored the Spartans 19-13 off turnovers despite losing that statistical battle (20-16).

San Diego State returns home to face Boise State on Saturday, Jan. 13 starting at 1 p.m. PT.

Box