The Opening Tip
From SDSU rocketing up the NET rankings to last-minute losses that hurt just to type, it was a crazy San Diego women’s hoops week. Wins, near-wins, and “how did that happen?” moments. Plus a freshman PLNU volleyball player you’ll want to know.
Let’s dive in.
San Diego State
🏀 Aztecs Cruise Past Boise State
Naomi Panganiban scored 18 on Saturday. Brandon Pollard / SDSU Athletics
SAN DIEGO - San Diego State (8-3, 2-0 Mountain West) put together one of its most complete performances of the season Saturday afternoon, rolling past Boise State (9-4, 0-2 Mountain West) at Viejas Arena, 83–54. The victory capped a rapid rise for the Aztecs, who now sit at No. 84 in the NET rankings after being ranked No. 99 on Saturday and No. 154 on Dec. 10. The ranking places them in the top 25% of all 363 teams in NCAA DI basketball. Continue reading here.
“One of our strengths is playing fast. Everyone can shoot the ball, so we’re a threat from everywhere.”
University of San Diego
🏀 Toreros win in thrilling fashion
Hallie Rhodes blocked Fullerton’s shot at the buzzer to secure the win. Thomas Christensen / USD Athletics
Olivia Owens (nine rebounds) knocked down clutch free throws late and led San Diego (6-7, 0-0 WCC) with 13 points. In a tense finish, Hallie Rhodes blocked Cal State Fullerton’s (5-6, 2-0 Big West) final shot at the buzzer, sealing a 56-55 victory in the Toreros’ final nonconference game. Owens and Rhodes have had five and six double-digit scoring performances, respectively, this season.
“(Hallie) has been locked in and playing with urgency as a senior,” said head coach Blanche Alverson. “Our success the last few games is definitely due to her mindset and approach to the game.”
UC San Diego
🏀 Tritons storm back from 19 down, come up just short
UCSD (6-5, 1-0 Big West) nearly overcame a 19-point first-half deficit to Northern Arizona (4-9, 0-0 Big Sky). The Tritons tied it at 65-65 with 1:27 left but could not finish, losing by three, 71-68. Four Tritons scored in double figures, including Erin Condron (16), Dymonique Maxie (14), Makayla Rose (14) and Sabrina Ma (12).
Point Loma Nazarene
🏀 Win streak ends for Sea Lions
The Sea Lions (8-3, 4-1 PacWest) lost a heartbreaker to Azusa Pacific (7-4, 3-1 PacWest), 72-65. After going ahead 65-62 with 2:52 remaining, Point Loma did not score again. Ruby Vlahov (9 rebounds) led the team with 20 points, Maddie Mersch scored 13 and Eiley Tippins added 12 points and seven rebounds. Ruby Hannah Golan led all players with 12 rebounds.
High School Hustle to Collegiate Competition
🏐 On what makes PLNU volleyball’s Jolyna Salas tick
At Her Sports San Diego we’re thrilled to introduce Jolyna Salas, a freshman setter at Point Loma Nazarene from Vista, Calif. Read more here.
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Until Wednesday,
Her Sports San Diego