SAN DIEGO -- The University of San Diego’s basketball team (5-7, 0-0 WCC) defeated Riverside (2-7, 1-1 Big West), 63-56, on Sunday at the Jenny Craig Pavilion. Kylie Ray delivered a strong all-around performance to guide the Toreros, leading the team in scoring and rebounding in their second-to-last nonconference game.
Ray finished with a game-high 18 points and nine rebounds, serving as San Diego’s offensive anchor throughout the hard fought afternoon. Ray’s ability to score from multiple distances – having three three-pointers – helped the Toreros maintain control to the end. It was the first game Ray started after easing back into play after an injury.
“It felt really good to be back out there with the girls,” Ray said after the game.
San Diego set the tone early, opening the game with a 22-point first quarter behind efficient shooting. Ray accounted for seven points in the opening quarters as the Toreros built an early lead, 22-16. However, UC Riverside responded in the second quarter, outscoring the Toreros 17-14 to cut the lead and head into halftime only trailing by three.
San Diego regained momentum coming out of half time, holding the Highlanders to only six points in the third quarter. Ray continued to lead by example, battling on the glass and creating second chance opportunities that helped the Toreros stretch their advantage. On the defensive end, the Toreros limited Riverside’s shooting success, holding them under 30% shooting for the game.
“We’ve done a much better job in the back half of this non-conference of really locking into scouting reports and understanding personnel,” USD’s head coach Blanche Alverson said. Alverson also highlighted Ray’s mentality coming into the game and how much work the guard has been putting in to get back into her groove.
While UC Riverside made a final push in the fourth quarter, San Diego remained composed at the free-throw line and on defense to secure the win. San Diego’s Hallie Rhodes added a steady pressure with nine points, five assists and three steals while Ayla Williams scored nine.
USD finished the game shooting 44.2% from the field and 76.9% from the free throw line. The win marks the second consecutive at the Jenny Craig Pavilion.