By: Marilyn Anye (@AnyeMarilyn) – Spear Reporter – An SJSU player goes up for a shot against San Diego State during the Spartans’ 81-52 loss Saturday at Provident Credit Union Event Center in San Jose, California. (Photo by SJSU Athletics)
San Jose State’s women’s basketball team (3-21, 1-12 MW) fell to San Diego State (18-4, 12-1 MW) in an 81-52 loss on Saturday.
The Aztecs’ defensive pressure interrupted the Spartans’ offensive rhythm.
SDSU’s ball movement and communication were precise, and that forced SJSU into rushed possessions and early ball-handling issues, which allowed the Aztecs to build a 17-point lead by halftime.
“We haven’t started well the last four games,” SJSU head coach Jonas Chatterton said. “We’ve got to come out with more intention defensively, and offensively we have to get to the rim instead of settling for too many threes.”
SJSU went through multiple lineups in the first quarter, hoping to spark energy and give the group some steadiness after a slow start.
“I was looking for energy,” Chatterton said. “I thought Katarina Anderson came in and gave us a spark and was able to get to the rim, which helped change the flow.”
Senior guards Amira Brown and Katarina Anderson aided in stabilizing SJSU early, each finishing with 10 points as SJSU tried to keep the game close.
Brown gave momentum by scoring on the perimeter and inside, while Anderson aimed for the rim and defensive activity, giving the Spartans a steady presence during key stretches.
“What helped us settle in was trusting each other, swinging the ball, and making the right reads,” Anderson said. “We tried to stay patient and play with composure.”
Sophomore guard Maya Anderson established herself and led the Spartans with 16 points, shooting four 3-pointers to spark a late offensive push.
“No matter if a shot went in or didn’t, I just told myself, ‘next play,’” Anderson said. “That helped me get into a groove.”
The Spartans struggled to score against the Aztecs consistently as they were able to control the tempo from the start.
“When there’s no space, the ball has to come out quicker,” Chatterton said. “We’ve got to move the ball with more pace and be on time.”
Sophomore forward Kaliyah Dillard added a strong presence off the bench, leading the Spartans with nine rebounds and adding two blocks to anchor SJSU’s interior presence.
Sophomore guard Stella Sgro led the team with three assists despite the Aztecs’ defensive pressure.
SJSU showed resilience and competitiveness throughout the game but struggled to sustain momentum after producing turnovers that SDSU converted into 15 points, limiting SJSU to seven, creating the gap throughout the game.
SJSU will face the University of New Mexico at 6 p.m. on Wednesday at The Pit in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
