SAN DIEGO – The San Diego State women's basketball team (11-5, 2-1) beat Fresno State (9-7, 2-1) 77-70 inside Viejas Arena Sunday afternoon.
The Aztecs shot 61 percent from the field through the first three quarters and then held off a late rally by the Bulldogs for their fourth straight win over Fresno State.
"I'm really proud of our kids," Head coach Stacie Terry-Hutson said after the game. "We've grown so much since our first game. I thought we played hard today. We were down one of our important pieces [Abby Prohaska] and we stepped up and played for each other today."
Adryana Quezada and Kim Villalobos each scored 18 points for the Aztecs. Quezada was an efficient 8-for-12 from the floor and Villalobos brought in 13 rebounds, one off the career-high 14 she collected at Air Force Wednesday.
Sarah Barcello added 14 points on 6-for-9 shooting, her highest total as an Aztec.
"She's the key. She's our connector. She does all the little things," Terry-Hutson praised. 'Even last year, no ego, 'Coach, whatever you need me to do, I'll do.' I respect her for that. She puts in the work. She deserves all her success and she's having a little fun while she's doing it."
After an evenly matched first quarter, SDSU pulled away with an 8-0 run in the second quarter and then never surrendered the lead.
Barcello scored 12 of her 14 in the first half and SDSU outrebounded the Bulldogs 22-12 in the first half to take a five-point lead into the halftime break.
The Aztecs pulled away in the third where they outscored Fresno State 24-11 and shot 10-for-15 from the floor.
SDSU led by as much as 18 points but struggled from the field in the fourth quarter allowing the Bulldogs to pull within three points in the final minute. Meghan Fiso then made two free throws with 12 seconds left to seal the win.
The Bulldogs were led by Dejanae Harvey and Taija Sta. Maria's 19 points.
STAT OF THE GAME
The Aztecs outrebounded Fresno State 42-32 and scored 40 points in the paint.
THE NOTE
The game was broadcast on CBS Sports Network, the first time the Aztecs have been on national television since February of 2013.
QUOTE OF THE GAME
"We knew that going inside was the best option for us today. Kim and AD [Quezada] are willing passers and they passed the ball back out for Sarah to hit a three and Alyssa [Jackson] hit a couple of threes. We're doing some really good things because we believe in each other, and we share the ball." Head coach Stacie Terry-Hutson on success in the paint
UP NEXT
The Aztecs play at Wyoming Wednesday evening.
Aztecs Knock off Fresno State 77-70
