SAN DIEGO - UCSD’s basketball team (7-5, 2-0 Big West) leaned on their efficient shooting to pull away from Cal Poly (2-11, 0-3 Big West) in a 75-54 New Year’s Day Big West victory at LionTree Arena, improving to a 2-0 in conference play.
All of UCSD’s players on the court scored on Thursday against Cal Poly. Derrick Tuskan / UC San Diego Athletics
The Tritons, the reigning 2025 Big West champions, built a 34-19 halftime advantage. In the third quarter, UCSD outscored Cal Poly 23-14 and shot 53.3% during the period to extend the lead to 24 points.
“It’s just trusting ourselves, trusting each other,” UCSD’s Erin Condron said. “We know that we always have each other’s backs, and when you have that kind of trust in each other, it just means whatever they do – it doesn’t matter. We know our game.”
Two of the Big West’s most efficient shooters played a central role in the win.
Rosa Smith, who entered the game ranked third in the conference in field goal percentage, led all scorers with 21 points, finishing 7 for 11 from the field and 4 for 8 from three-point range. Smith also added eight assists, five rebounds and three steals, helping UCSD control tempo throughout the game.
“She gives our team confidence and poise,” UCSD’s head coach Heidi VanDerveer said about Smith. “She’s a good connector, she’s a good communicator. She plays really hard and she doesn’t let things bother her.”
Erin Condron leads the Big West in field goal percentage. Derrick Tuskan / UC San Diego Athletics
Inside the paint, Condron, the Big West’s leading field goal percentage shooter, scored 14 points and grabbed six rebounds. Condron provided a consistent interior presence while avoiding foul trouble in the second half.
Together, Smith and Condron combined for 35 points, anchoring the Triton’s offense.
UCSD finished the game shooting 44.6% from the field and assisted on 18 of its 29 made baskets, a reflection of good ball movement and shot selection. The Tritons also forced 21 Mustang turnovers, converting them into transition opportunities.
Sabrina Ma added 12 points, while Junae Mahan contributed seven points and four rebounds off the bench. Lev Feiman also returned to the court today after being out since late November. Ten Tritons played, and all ten scored.
Rosa Smith dropped 21 points on Thursday afternoon against Cal Poly. Derrick Tuskan / UC San Diego Athletics
The Mustangs showed late rhythm, outscoring UCSD 21-18 in the fourth quarter. The Tritons were able to handle Charish Thompson, ranked fifth in the Big West’s field goal percentage, and limited Thompson to 10 points.
Next Up
The win helps the Tritons continue to build momentum early in Big West play. UCSD now focuses on conference play and is on the road, facing the University of Hawai'i in Honolulu on Jan. 3 at 9 p.m. Watch the game on ESPN+.