By Ernie Gonzalez — Executive Editor
San Jose State Women’s basketball fell to Northern Arizona University 67-64, a team who entered Thursday night with just one road win all year.
SJSU (8-4) shot 1-for-12 down the stretch, was bullied on the boards and gave up 17 second-chance points to an at best mediocre NAU (3-6) team.
However, before you sweat it, take a look at some reasons why it might not be a big deal.
Reason No. 1 — Both losses were out of conference
Not to say that they don’t count, but head coach Jamie Craighead and her staff will not be weeping in late February because of two losses to BYU and NAU.
The Spartans’ only route to the NCAA tournament is a conference championship so two losses in December to two non-conference opponents while unbeaten in league play shouldn’t be something to dwell on.
All eyes for this program is winning Mountain West tournament games. That’s it.
Reason No. 2 — Not in San Jose
The formula has been straight forward this year. When the Spartans play at home, they win. A 6-0 start in the Event Center for the first time since the 2014-15 campaign has given SJSU all the confidence on their home court.
Now yes, if an underdogged SJSU team is beating teams at home, why isn’t it beating teams when it’s the favorite? That remains unknown. But again, as aforementioned: It’s Northern Arizona. A team they play once a decade. The sky is not falling.
Reason No. 3 — Basallo’s absence might be a plus, for now
It’s amazing how one player can drive so much change to a program. As strange as it sounds, Basallo’s ankle sprain could not have come at a better time for the Spartans.
Although there is no expected return date for the point guard yet, there are still about two weeks before SJSU is back in action against New Mexico, who sits 0-2 in conference.
Let’s just say Basallo doesn’t return for the team’s first conference game. Well, it’s not like Tyra Whitehead doesn’t exist either. She just spotted her fifth double-double of the year with 12 points and 11 rebounds against the Lumberjacks.
The saying goes that a team is only as good as its best player. If Basallo doesn’t return before conference, true colors will shine for this SJSU team. For better or for worse.
NEXT GAME — The Spartans are off for the next 12 days before hitting the floor again for the first of their 16 remaining conference games on New Year’s Day versus New Mexico.
Follow Ernie on Twitter @superego1012