LAS CRUCES, N.M. — The University of San Diego women's basketball team opened its 2026-27 season with a comeback victory Monday, defeating New Mexico State 61-56 at the Pan American Center.

Senior Kiera Pemberton made an immediate impact in her USD debut, leading the Toreros with 22 points on 9-of-11 shooting while adding seven rebounds, two steals and a block. Her performance helped USD overcome an early nine-point deficit and secure its first victory of the season.

The Toreros struggled offensively in the opening quarter, shooting just 23% from the field as New Mexico State built a 16-7 lead with 1:26 remaining. USD managed only nine points in the period, entering the second quarter trailing 16-9.

However, San Diego began finding its rhythm in the second quarter behind Pemberton and returning guard Kylie Ray.

Pemberton scored seven points in the period, including a three-point play that tied the game at 18 with 6:51 remaining in the half. Ray added eight points in the quarter as the Toreros briefly took the lead before New Mexico State entered halftime ahead, 28-26.

The momentum shifted in the third quarter, when USD outscored the Aggies 27-20.

Pemberton contributed 11 points during the period, while Olivia Owens and newcomer Braelynn Barnett each connected from beyond the arc.

The Toreros eventually extended their lead to eight points before entering the fourth quarter ahead 53-48.

Neither team found much offensive success in the final period, with both scoring eight points. New Mexico State cut USD's lead to one point early in the quarter, but the Toreros held on behind late baskets from Ray and Pemberton.

Pemberton scored six of USD's eight fourth-quarter points, while Ray converted two free throws with three seconds remaining to secure the five-point victory.

Ray finished with 19 points, four rebounds and three assists, while Owens contributed eight points, five rebounds and three assists.

Entering the season, one of USD's biggest questions was whether the Toreros could develop consistent scoring options beyond Ray and Owens, two of the team's returning offensive contributors.

Pemberton's debut offered an encouraging early answer.

The senior finished as USD's leading scorer, in just 32 minutes. She also committed no turnovers and scored 17 of her 22 points in the second half.

Ray and Owens combined for 27 points, giving the trio 49 of San Diego's 61 points.

Although Pemberton's performance provided an additional offensive threat, the Toreros still received limited scoring elsewhere. Barnett contributed five points off the bench, while Lilly Amor added three.

USD finished the game shooting 35.1% from the field and 21.7% from 3-point range, suggesting that offensive consistency remains an area for improvement as the season progresses.

Rebounding was another area highlighted entering the season, with USD looking to continue its effectiveness on the glass.

Against New Mexico State, the Toreros narrowly lost the rebounding battle 39-36, despite several individual contributions.

Eva Ruse led USD with 10 rebounds, including four offensive boards, while Pemberton added seven and Owens collected five.

The Toreros finished with 12 offensive rebounds compared with New Mexico State's 11, although both teams scored 10 second-chance points.

Despite the rebounding deficit, San Diego capitalized on the Aggies' mistakes. USD forced 20 turnovers and converted them into 18 points, compared with New Mexico State's 11 points off 17 Toreros turnovers.

The Aggies were led by Raina Tomasicka, who scored a game-high 24 points off the bench. Lilyana Fontcha added 10 points and 11 rebounds.

For USD, the season-opening victory provided an early glimpse of how its younger roster could develop. Pemberton's offensive production, combined with contributions from returning players, helped the Toreros overcome an uneven start and begin the season 1-0.

The Toreros will hope to continue their momentum this weekend when they face a cross-town rival in UC San Diego for the Bill Walton Classic on November 7 in Pechanga Arena at approximately 3 p.m. Buy tickets here for the game or read the preview.

Webpage photo credit: Kylie Ray. USD Athletics