By Nikoo Parsizadeh — Reporter
The San Jose State’s women’s basketball team had an opening night dud as they got blown out by Washington State, 86-56.
It was the first game for SJSU in 10 months after seeing last season get canceled after four games due to COVID-19 concerns. With an early score by Washington State, the ground looked shaky for the Spartans. SJSU’s starting lineups started with Ellie Boni, Ella Ogier, Deja Ross, Meghan Oberg and Cydni Lewis.
Washington State jumped out to a 19-15 lead after the first quarter. The second quarter was the turning point for the Spartans.With Deja Ross senior transfer from Providence, RI. making passes and making their way to and driving down the lane Spartans were able to score and stay in the game thanks to contributions by Ellie Boni and Ella Ogier.
The Spartans did have a quick 23-22 lead for 16 seconds after the 1st quarter was a good comeback for the Spartans, which also led both teams to use two fouls and keep their defense on strike.
Cydni Lewis hit a jumper that left the Spartans at 29-39 at halftime. The Cougars kept making three-pointers as they were 35 percent from beyond the arc. With the cougars highest scorers Krystal Leger-Walker red shirt fifth year from Waikato, New Zealand and Bella Murekatete junior from Butare Huye, Rwanda scoring 22 points by the end of the game let SJSU almost 20 points away mid game.
With the start of the 2nd quarter and SJSU at 29 and WSU at 46 the Spartans wanted an early timeout. Senior transfer guard A’tyanna Gaulden tried to keep the Spartans in the game. senior . The Georgia Southern transfer came off the bench and scored 14 points in her debut.
Another bright spot was sophomore Ellie Boni. The Colorado State transfer had 10 points and was the only other Spartan in double figures.
A positive for the Spartans was they forced 15 Cougar turnovers. On the flip side of the coin they did commit 13 of their own.
The Spartans will remain in Washington as they play their upcoming game on Thursday night against Eastern Washington University at 6pm. The game will be on ESPN +.
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