University of San Diego basketball (1-0, 0-0 WCC) cruised to victory in their home opener against Bethesda (0-1, 0-0 NCCAA) 92-23 on Monday at Jenny Craig Pavilion for their first game under head coach Blanche Alverson.
USD came out strong defensively and showed quickness throughout the game against the Lion Angels. The Toreros forced shot-clock violations when in man and zone defense, and out rebounded Bethesda 59-15. Their bench scored 72 points, showing their skills as well.
This was the first game for Alverson in the USD program. She appeared relaxed on the sideline, coaching her team and interacting with the staff between plays.
“I think this is going to be a really special place,” Alverson said. “One of the things I’m most excited about is the build up to this game and just the amount of people we were able to touch on our campus, in our community, to celebrate what we’re about to do this year. We’re really excited about that.”
Bethesda entered the game with only five players. However, guard Serena Quezada left the game halfway into the second quarter due to illness, leaving only four Lion Angels on the court.
USD dominated the glass for 22 second-chance points. USD also proved that they know how to convert turnovers and rebounds into points through their fast breaks, earning 34 by the end of the night.
Hallie and Jayden Rhodes were two of the top scorers for the Toreros. Combined, the sisters put up 33 points, Jayden with a career-high 22 and Hallie with 11.
“We’re always in competition with each other,” Hallie said playfully after the game. “She got this one today, but I’m coming next time.”
USD started off cold at the three point line, starting 0 for 14 and ending the first half two for 17, an untenable 11.8%. Not dissuaded, the Toreros found their hot hands in the second half, going 10 for 18, or 55.6%.
“Our message for this year is ‘us versus us’,” Alverson said. “No matter what, no matter who we’re playing, we’re so focused on what we can do. So we’re really focused on being locked into who we are.”
USD is on the road for the first time this season, playing at UC Irvine today at 11 a.m.. The event will be broadcast on ESPN+.