By Kevin Wing — Content Editor
LOGAN, Utah — Sophomore Ayzhiana Basallo went for 20 points tonight to help lift the Spartans in their Mountain West opener to a 76-61 victory over host Utah State.
San Jose State played dominantly most of the evening, strengthening its chances to take home its first win of the new season. The Spartans sit atop the Mountain West standings at 1-0 in conference play.
Tonight’s win for SJSU marks the squad’s fifth win in its last six conference openers.
Not far behind Basallo were guards Megan Anderson and Raziya Potter with 15 and 13 points, respectively. Seniors Tyra Whitehead and Fieme’a Hafoka were out in front for the Spartans with eight rebounds each.
The Spartans took the lead in the first few minutes with a 14-0 advantage, with a strong defense forcing six Aggie turnovers in just the first five minutes of the game. On the flip side, the SJSU offense was just as strong with seven Spartans scoring before the end of the first quarter. At halftime, the visiting Spartans were up 33-21 over the Aggies.
USU got close in the second half, creeping to within six points of the Spartans, but that was it. SJSU’s defense carried the rest of the game for its best defensive performance this season.
The Spartans return home to host San Diego State at the Provident Credit Union Event Center at 2 p.m. Saturday.
Follow Kevin on Twitter @KevinWingNBC