SDSU Aztecs Edge Boise State in Women’s Basketball, 66-64 | KTVB
San Diego State Claims Mountain West Title in Thrilling Boise State Contest
– The San Diego State women’s basketball team secured the Mountain West regular season championship Wednesday night with a hard-fought 66-64 victory over Boise State. The Aztecs (23-4, 17-1) overcame an 11-point deficit to defeat the Broncos (22-7, 13-5) in Boise, Idaho.
The win marks a significant achievement for the Aztecs, completing a two-game season sweep of Boise State, who were previously in second place in the conference standings. The victory was particularly notable given San Diego State’s struggles in the first half, where they managed only 21 points and connected on just one three-pointer.
“I was disappointed with our effort or lack thereof in the first half,” said head coach Stacie Terry-Hutson following the game. “We completely flipped the script in the third quarter when we came out and went on that 10-0 run. That was the effort and energy that we need to always play with.”
The Aztecs dramatically improved their offensive output after halftime, scoring 45 points and hitting 10 three-pointers. A key moment came with 5 ½ minutes remaining in the fourth quarter when Naomi Panganiban hit a three-pointer off a pass from Natalia Martinez, following a crucial offensive rebound by Bailey Barnhard, to give San Diego State a 59-56 lead.
Panganiban led all scorers with 19 points, while Kaelyn Hamilton contributed 13 points off the bench and Barnhard added 10 points and six rebounds. Kennedy Lee also made a significant impact with nine points, six rebounds and two steals.
Despite Boise State’s efforts to close the gap, the Aztecs held on, extending their lead to 66-61 with just seconds remaining on two free throws by Nala Williams. The Broncos managed a three-pointer at the buzzer, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the deficit.
The first half saw Boise State build a substantial lead, holding a 29-18 advantage with only 17 seconds left before the break. Williams’ three-pointer at the buzzer provided a small momentum shift heading into halftime.
San Diego State’s resilience was evident in their second-half performance, outscoring Boise State 45-35. The Aztecs’ ability to capitalize on offensive rebounds and convert three-pointers proved crucial in their comeback.
This marks the latest success for Terry-Hutson’s team, who have won six straight games. The Aztecs will return home to host Wyoming on at 1 p.m. In Viejas Arena.
Earlier this season, on , San Diego State defeated Boise State 83-54 in San Diego. In that contest, the Aztecs shot 54% from the floor and made 11 three-pointers, holding the Broncos to 34% shooting. Panganiban led the scoring with 18 points, while Kennedy Lee added 16 and Kendall Mosley contributed 11.