By: Javen Takhar (@javentakhar) – Spear Reporter | Maya Anderson dribbles down the court past a Fresno State defender (SJSU Athletics)
The San Jose State women’s basketball team (3-23, 1-14 MW) lost its sixth game in a row, falling to Air Force (12-13, 6-4 MW) 77-61 on Saturday, Feb. 14 at Clune Arena.
Redshirt sophomore guard Maya Anderson tallied 16 points, marking her fifth straight game in double-digits. Her presence was felt early; she made the team’s first two shots and finished the first quarter with seven points. She also racked up six rebounds and four assists, leading the team in each category.
The Spartans started strong, shooting an efficient 57% from the field at halftime with the lead 33-31.
“We came out and really battled in the first half,” SJSU head coach Jonas Chatterton said.
The Falcons kept it close by capitalizing on fouls and turnovers. After leading 41-40 with 4:43 to play in the third-quarter, the Spartans would watch the Falcons earn the edge and not turn back.
“We just can’t give them the ball so much, that was the part of the game tonight that got away from us,” Chatterton said.
Senior guard Milahnie Perry kept Air Force in the game with clutch baskets in the third-quarter. She secured 14 of 16 free throws, finishing the game with a team high 20 points.
The free throws were disastrous for SJSU. Despite getting to the line 22 times, the team only got 12 through the net. The team also committed a horrid 25 turnovers.
A three-pointer from freshman guard Bhret Clay in the third-quarter gave the Falcons their first lead of the game, which opened the can for the comeback.
Redshirt senior guard Amira Brown fought hard, putting up 15 points, with 14 in the second half. But her efforts weren’t enough as Air Force slowly took off.
The Spartans shot well, but ultimately couldn’t take care of the ball and weren’t able to execute from the free-throw line. The road woes continue for SJSU which are now 0-15 in away games. The Spartans return home against Utah State at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 18, at the Provident Credit.
