Boise State women’s basketball faced a narrow defeat against San Diego State, losing 66-64 in a tightly contested matchup on Wednesday night. This defeat marked the first time this season the Broncos lost after leading at halftime, dropping their record to 22-7 overall and 13-5 in Mountain West play. Meanwhile, San Diego State solidified its status as regular season champions with an impressive 23-4 record and a dominant 17-1 in the conference.
The game began with Boise State taking an early lead thanks to a layup and an offensive rebound, but San Diego State quickly found its rhythm after a brief scoring drought. A back-and-forth battle ensued, with both teams exchanging baskets but it was Boise State that ended the first quarter ahead, 11-8. The Broncos maintained a solid strategy, highlighted by Natalie Pasco’s notable performance, scoring 14 points and tying her season-high with seven rebounds.
Despite Boise State’s efforts, San Diego State opened the second half with a crucial 10-0 run, flipping the score in their favor. However, Tatum Thompson, with her impressive stats of 14 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and a career-high five steals, played a pivotal role in keeping her team competitive. Her performance tied for the most steals this season by a Bronco, reflecting her defensive prowess during the game.
As the contest progressed into the final quarter, the lead continued to shift back and forth. Tensions rose as both teams executed strategic plays. However, Boise State was unable to maintain their composure in the critical closing moments. Head Coach expressed disappointment in the turnovers and the inability to execute under pressure. “We didn’t execute down the stretch of the game,” she noted, indicating areas for the team to improve ahead of their upcoming match.
Despite the setback, the Broncos remain focused on the future, gearing up to host Utah State on February 28 at 2 p.m. MT. This marks their last home game of the season, providing an opportunity for Boise State to bounce back and finish strong before entering the tournament. Their resilience this season, highlighted by a strong home record of 11-3 while donning their white uniforms, offers hope for their next challenge.