By Sara Biela and Marissa Scott — Editors
Analyss Benally’s clutch go-ahead 3-pointer with 14 seconds on the clock wasn’t enough as San Jose State women’s basketball (2-18, 1-8 MW) ended up on the losing side of a 69-68 nail biter to San Diego State (7-12, 2-6 MW).
The junior guard, Fieme’a Hafoka and sophomore forward Mikaylah Wilson hit double-figures in the one-point loss.
The first quarter proved difficult for SJSU due to a strong defensive effort from SDSU. The Aztecs jumped out to an early 7-0 before Wilson scored the first points for the Spartans.
San Diego State quickly extended its lead to 17 with 3:51 left in the first. However, the Spartans crept up on the Aztecs in the second quarter.
The team cut the deficit to 35-30 and saw itself down by 5 going to the half. SJSU shot 36.7 percent from the floor, while making 5-of-15 from 3.
In the third quarter, the Spartans managed to tie the game at 41 at the 6:07 mark. The Aztecs retook the seven-point lead with a 13-6 run to end the third.
With less than 20 seconds left in the game, Benally hit the go-ahead 3 and gave the Spartans their first lead of the game.
However, there was just enough time for sophomore guard Tea Adams to respond with a game-winning layup with 2 seconds remaining.
Sophomore guard Naje Murray topped SDSU with 16 points and 9 assists. Freshman Mallory Adams followed with 14 points and a team-high 13 rebounds.
Wilson lead SJSU with 16 points and 11 rebounds — good for her first double-double of the season.
Benally followed with 14 points while Hafoka recorded 10 points and 5 rebounds.
The Spartans return to the Event Center and take on the Boise State Broncos on Feb. 9.
Follow Sara and Marissa on Twitter @sarabielaa@marissascotttt