SAN DIEGO -- The Toreros (14-9, 8-4) fought through a tough defensive battle on Saturday afternoon to beat BYU (13-9, 8-4) 51-45 inside the Jenny Craig Pavilion. With the win, San Diego moves up to second in the West Coast Conference.
 
"What a great game and moment," said head coach Cindy Fisher. "To hold a team like that one for ten from the three-point line that's just all heart and effort. They did an outstanding job."
 
San Diego's defense held BYU to only 10 percent from beyond the arc and 32.7 percent from the field. The Cougars didn't have much luck cleaning up their misses on the offensive glass either, as they finished with seven offensive rebounds and managed four second chance points while San Diego cleared 26 defensive rebounds.
 
San Diego out-rebounded BYU 38-28 in Saturday's game, led by Leticia Soares' 10 boards. The Toreros also grabbed 12 offensive rebounds and scored eight second chance points.
 
"We did a great job creating ball pressure and that was our focus all week," said Fisher. "We have a lot going for us right now. When they all can come in and execute, it creates a great presence and confidence. You need that confidence to be successful in this league."
 
The Toreros had three players score in double figures, led by Leticia Soares, who recorded her first double-double of the year tacking on 13 points to her 10 boards. Redshirt junior Jordyn Edwards added 12 points, six rebounds, four assists and three blocks, and Madison Pollock chipped in as well with 10 points and seven rebounds.
 
San Diego started off strong, putting together an 8-6 lead heading into the second quarter. San Diego did most of its first quarter damage in the paint, scoring four of its eight points close to the basket.
 
The Toreros maintained their lead in the game's second frame and entered halftime with a one-point edge, 17-16. San Diego forced five BYU turnovers in the period and turned them into four points.
 
San Diego then lost its advantage in the third quarter as the Cougars put together a large scoring run and trailed 33-31 entering the fourth. San Diego knocked down three three-pointers in the quarter to score nine of its 14 total points.
 
BYU kept widening its lead in the fourth, constructing a 39-35 advantage before San Diego went on an 8-0 run, finished off by clutch three from Edwards, to seize a 43-39 lead with three minutes to go in the contest. The Toreros kept expanding the margin and coasted the rest of the way for the 51-45 win. San Diego got up and down the court quickly in the quarter, scoring five fast break points.
 
The Toreros are back in action on Thursday, when they'll take on Pacific at 6 p.m. (PT) for National Women and Girls in Sports Day inside the JCP.
 
This article was created with the help of technology provided by Data Skrive.