By Sofia Wright — Staff Writer
Almost exactly two years ago, then-San Jose State freshman forward Cyndi Lewis led the Spartans with 14 points off the bench in a win against Santa Clara University.
That was the last time the team won against an opponent from the West Coast Conference.
Now, the SJSU women’s basketball team (5-2) is on a four-game winning streak and has taken down two undefeated teams.
Led by a career-high 33 points for sophomore Ayzhiana Basallo, and just an assist shy of another double-double, the Spartans outscored the San Diego Toreros (3-1) in the third quarter to snag their 88-82 victory.
The win comes a day after a 95-88 victory against previously undefeated Buffalo, where SJSU outscored the Bulls 30-13 in the third.
Third Quarter Success
“It was definitely a tale of two halves,” said head coach Jamie Craighead. “I told our kids we just have to adjust to how the game is being played and how it’s being called. We played a really good basketball team but got it figured out in that second half.”
By the second quarter, the Spartans had zero second-chance points to San Diego’s 12.
In the third quarter, the team came out hungry and cleaned up their play.
In the first half, the team combined for 14 turnovers but were able to bring that down to just four in the third.
Defensively, they held San Diego to their worst shooting percentage of the game. The Toreros shot 3-16 from the field and were 0-7 from three.
It’s Not That Deep
Bench depth is important, especially late in the season. Sophomore guard Raziya Potter left the game in the third quarter due to “coming down on her own foot,” she told Craighead.
Craighead said it’s just a sprained ankle and Potter is expected to play against CSU Bakersfield (2-3) Friday.
So far this season, every opponent’s bench has outscored the Spartan bench, which doesn’t necessarily have to be an issue. Against San Diego, the bench was outscored 29-14.
Basallo, junior forward Tyra Whitehead, and junior guard Megan Anderson would all play over 30 minutes for the third game in a row.
Not an issue now, but questions regarding sustainability are raised.
Adjust, Adjust, Adjust
Before the game started, it was easy to see that the Toreros would be a big, physical team.
Craighead noted after the game that San Diego was different in their play than the Spartans and that the halftime adjustments would be the key to their success.
“It was a dog fight and it challenged our toughness,” said Basallo. “It was ugly but, it’s a win.”
Mid-third quarter, Whitehead would come out of the game for a break but was subbed back in less than 30 seconds later. Her physicality and size were needed. Whitehead would finish the game with 15 points, seven rebounds, four steals, and a block.
The Spartans look to extend their hot streak Nov. 29 against CSU Bakersfield in Bakersfield. Game time is 2 p.m.
Follow Sofia on Twitter @SofiaGWright
