By Kellen Concentine — Staff Writer
San Jose State women’s basketball dropped the fourth game in a row after an uphill battle, in a 67-66 loss to Air Force.
“I know that this team has great potential and we’re really competitive, but we have to find another level,” said head coach Jamie Craighead.
Junior forward Tyra Whitehead had 18 points and 12 boards while seeing several double teams, but it was not enough to lead SJSU (15-10, 9-5 MW) to victory.
“I’m not going to throw any of my players under the bus,” said Craighead. “When it’s that close it’s on me.”
The Falcons (6-19, 4-10 MW) got off to a hot start. They opened the game with a 9-2 run, hitting some big shots behind the arc.
Sophomore guard Ayzhiana Basallo hit a buzzer-beating jumper to take an 18-17 lead, helping the Spartans respond with a 9-0 run to end the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Air Force held SJSU to just 5 points while scoring 21. Sophomore forward Riley Snyder knocked down three 3-pointers, pushing the Falcons half-time lead to 15.
“Players came out and gave a great effort in the third quarter,” said Craighead. “Lots of energy. Raziya was a big part of that in the third quarter. Defensively she sparked us.”
The Spartans held Air Force to 23 percent from the field during the third quarter and zero percent from the 3-point line.
Basallo and Whitehead both started to heat up on the other end, combining for 13 points to begin the half.
To end the game, the Falcons defense swarmed Basallo as soon as she crossed the half-court line. She had two turnovers, including one in the final minute of the game.
The offense ran through Whitehead to close out the game. She grabbed five of her 12 rebounds and scored seven of her 18 in the fourth.
“It’s great cause we’re competing,” said Craighead. “We’re in every game and we have a chance to win but it’s so hard to come up short.”
SJSU will try to end its losing streak on the road against Boise State Wednesday.
Follow Kellen on Twitter @KC_Journalism