By Ernie Gonzalez (@superego1012):
Even after another bye, San Jose State women’s basketball continued its losing ways Saturday afternoon inside the Event Center in a seven-point loss to Colorado State, 73-66.
The Spartans (6-17, 3-9 MW) shot a terrible 25 percent (9-36) from the floor in the first 20 minutes, ultimately sinking them in too far in a hole to dig out of.
The Rams (18-7, 10-4), who entered Saturday riding a five-game winning streak were up by as many as 20 early following an 8-2 start to the the third quarter, but things got interesting late.
After shooting 44 percent in the first three quarters, the Rams collapsed in the fourth quarter, converting on just 3-14 field goals (21 percent). That gave the Spartans a chance to get back into it after cutting the deficit to 11 heading into the final frame.
SJSU was able to get it as close as five, but missed bunnies inside by Mikayla Wilson and Myzhanique Ladd layups plus the inability to make free throws down the stretch did the Spartans in.
Colorado State was put on heels after they went scoreless in the final 3:20 of the game, but the Spartans couldn’t score when it counted most. SJSU shot a combined 34 percent for the game.
Sophomore guard Analyss Benally was the only starter not to finish in double-figures, as her signature three-ball didn’t fall tonight, hitting on just 1-5. As a team, the Spartans shot a poor 6-24 from past the line.
Also as a team, the Spartans gave it away just seven times, six fewer than Colorado State. It was good to see corrected, especially coming off a 20 turnover game last week against New Mexico.
Something that wasn’t corrected was rebounding, as the Spartans were bounced 46-36 on the glass.
For the Rams, Hannah Tvrdy had herself a fine performance, doubling her 11 PPG average with 22 on the afternoon to go along with six rebounds and three assists.
Next up for the Spartans is a midweek matchup against rival Fresno State in Fresno on Wednesday night.