Ella Ogier (Photo by Max Bechtoldt)
By Autumn Blue (@AutumnBlue3) – WBB Beat Reporter
San Jose State women’s basketball never led during its blowout loss against the University of Nevada Wolf Pack 88-63.
The Spartans just snapped their 13-game losing streak against Boise State last week and came into the game this evening with a lack of energy and teamwork.
Just in the first five minutes the Wolf Pack instantly took the lead 6-0 and led the rebounding battle early 6-1.
The Spartans were tripping over each other, missing plays, and frankly just not working together as a team.
UN took control of the court instantly reacting to Spartan missed shots and using their speed down the court towards the bucket and scoring.
Freshman guard Audrey Roden took control and showed SJSU who they needed to be on. Roden outscored the Spartans by herself just in the first quarter with 11 points.
This was the best first quarter by the Wolf Pack this season.
Roden ended the first quarter with a buzzer beater to take a 24-10 lead, giving UN a 14-point lead into the second quarter.
SJSU constantly switched players in and out almost every minute of the second quarter, trying to find its rhythm against its opponent.
UN has speed and does all its plays with intention. Nevada knew exactly where SJSU lacked, and found its perfect opening to take possession of the ball.
The Spartans came back fighting in the second quarter with their rebounds 8-6, doubling their rebounds from the first quarter, but the Wolf Pack’s defense barely let SJSU get inside the box, making it difficult for Spartans to score.
Spartans’ star forward Cyndi Lewis ended the second quarter with a buzzer-beater 3-pointer to cut the lead to 40-26.
Nevada led 13-0 in fast break points during the first half, but their turnovers were pretty even with San Jose.
Nevada overwhelmed SJSU with its momentum from start to finish. The Wolf Pack played with more intensity and drive compared to the Spartans making it difficult to even get under the rim.
By the end of the third quarter it was blatantly clear that the Wolf Pack were the better team and the Spartans found themselves in an unfortunate ending after just snapping their 13-game loss streak.
Nevada senior guard Nia Alexander and Roden kept a constant rhythm throughout the game. Both tied with double digits of 17 points but Roden was the sharper of the two.
Roden also performed strongly defensively with two steals while Alexander ended with two rebounds.
Spartans’ junior guard Stephanie Torres was in the game 31 minutes and throughout it all she looked to have the most determination. Torres never let her defense down and even tried to get herself in all visible pockets when possible.
Freshman guard Sidney Richards led the Spartans with 16 points and three rebounds. Straight off the bench Richards took the lead in the first half with nine points and two rebounds.
UN kept the pace of the game throughout but once the fourth quarter with a 30 point lead they let up, ending the fast break scoring 20-2.