By Jonathan Canas (@jonathancanas_) – Spear Editor | Junior guard Amira Brown driving into the paint during SJSU’s 77-64 loss against Wyoming on Jan. 29. (Photo by Alexis Corona-Aguilar – Spear photographer)
San Jose State women’s basketball (9-13, 2-7 MW) fell 77-64 in a physical contest against the Wyoming Cowgirls (12-9, 6-3).
Going into the match the Spartans were No. 1 in rebounding in the Mountain West and proved it again, winning the rebounding battle 31-27.
SJSU junior forward Finau Tonga led the team with five rebounds. She provided a spark off the bench scoring 16 points in 26 minutes.
She was also guarding the conferences’ top scorer and rebounder in Wyoming’s Allyson Fertig and held her to seven points in the first half.
“Our biggest emphasis was to get her out of the paint and make her take uncomfortable shots,” Tonga said.
Wyoming had five total players finish in double-figures as it shot an efficient 55% from the field. Despite Tonga’s efforts to keep Fertig out of the paint, the Cowgirls made 54 of their points inside the paint.
“Finau has a passion and fire for the game that’s truly undeniable and I think it ignites her teammates as well,” SJSU head coach April Phillips said.
One of the teammates who felt ignited was SJSU senior Amiah Simmons who led the team with 26 points. This marks the third game in a row in which Simmons has scored over 20 points.
“I love how Simmons goes out there and competes and takes it somewhat personally to get those scores,” Phillips said. “Hopefully we get a few more people to come along with her to get some double digits.”
SJSU have dropped two games in a row at home after an impressive win at San Diego on Jan. 22.
Simmons and Tonga were the only Spartans in double-figures. SJSU got off to a slow start as well and couldn’t afford to be trading buckets after the first quarter.
“Better second half for us and obviously a very slow start in the first half,” Phillips said. “I got to go back and put my thinking cap on and see what we can do to get this group to show up in a groove and show up consistently from the start.”
A strong start will be pivotal as SJSU travels through the Valley to take on Fresno State at 2 p.m. on Saturday at the Save Mart Center.
