SAN DIEGO — SDSU’s womens basketball team beat the Fresno State Bulldogs on Saturday afternoon to secure at least a share of the regular-season Mountain West Conference title. This win comes after one of the Aztecs’ best wins of the season against the UNLV Lady Rebels on Wednesday.
The Aztecs started slow with starting guards Nala Williams and Nat Martinez getting into early foul trouble. Forward Maria Konstantinidou provided an immediate spark off the bench by dropping in two free throws and grabbing crucial rebounds.
“I think that we have been able to do what we do because of the depth that we have,” said head coach Stacie Terry-Hutson. “We can’t do this without everybody on the roster.”
Forward Maria Konstantinidou gets her feet set on offense. Soleil Dam/Her Sports SD
Both teams went back and forth throughout the second quarter. With about six minutes left in the second quarter, the Bulldogs took a one-point lead. The Aztecs quickly responded and finished the half on an 8-3 run to take a 31-27 lead at halftime.
SDSU maintained their momentum coming out of the locker room and scored 20 third quarter points, led by Kaelyn Hamilton coming off the bench with seven points, and Nat Martinez’ five.
In the fourth quarter, the Aztecs led by as many as 14 points. However, Fresno State continued to be aggressive by driving to the basket and drawing fouls. Ultimately, the Aztecs closed the game out with the 68-59 victory over the Bulldogs.
Williams, Hamilton, and Martinez scored in double figures, while Kennedy Lee and Naomi Panganiban scored nine each.
For the first time since 2013, SDSU hoisted the Mountain West regular season trophy. While the conference title meant a lot to the Aztecs, they have many more goals they hope to achieve this season.
“Accomplishing one of our goals on this list definitely gives us a better feeling,” Martinez said. “[One of our] most important [goals is] protecting home court and conference play.”
Highlights of SDSU vs. Fresno State. Credit: San Diego State Athletics
Next Up:
The Aztecs will travel to Idaho to play Boise State on Wednesday. Stream the game on the Mountain West Network. They will return to Viejas Arena on Feb. 28 to face Wyoming for Senior Night and their final home game of the season.
