SAN DIEGO - San Diego women's basketball (5-4, 2-2 WCC) went into halftime with a two-point edge over Saint Mary's (5-10, 3-6 WCC) 26-24, but couldn't hang on in the second half and fell 63-56 at home on Tuesday afternoon.
 
The Toreros had three players score in double figures, led by redshirt senior Jordyn Edwards, who had 12 points, four assists and three steals. Freshman Laura Erikstrup proved to be key in rotation again for USD, adding 12 points off of the bench, while Ayanna Khalfani chipped in as well with 10 points, nine rebounds and two steals.
 
Senior Sydney Hunter pulled down five rebounds including two offensive boards to pace San Diego's offense that racked up second chance opportunities, grabbing 12 boards and turning them into seven second chance points.
 
The defense came through in Tuesday's game as San Diego forced 23 Saint Mary's turnovers and collected 13 steals on the afternoon. The Toreros turned those takeaways into 15 points on the other end of the floor as Hunter's three steals led the charge.
 
San Diego started off strong in the first as scoring efforts from Edwards, Erikstrup and Khalfani gave the Toreros a nine-point lead, 22-13 headed into the second quarter. The Toreros ran the floor well, scoring 11 points off fast break opportunities.
 
The offense quieted in the second, as San Diego tacked on only four points to enter halftime with a two-point lead, 26-24. The Gaels shifted the momentum in the frame as three players combined for 11-points in the quarter.
 
San Diego continued to lose ground in the third, but junior guard Erica Martinsen came through with under four minutes to go with a clutch three to tie the Gaels at 33 apiece.
 
Both teams battled in the middle of the third, as the quarter saw three lead changes and three ties. With two and a half to go, Erikstrup continued to work in the paint to give San Diego a 37-35 edge. The Toreros entered the fourth down 46-37, despite playing well near the basket scoring six of their 11 points in the paint.
 
San Diego narrowed its deficit in the fourth quarter, but could not close the gap, losing 63-56. San Diego took advantage of its opportunities in the post, scoring 12 of its 19 points in the paint.
 
The Toreros are back in action on Saturday in Provo to face BYU for the second time this season. Tipoff is set for 11 a.m. (PT).
 
This article was created using technology provided by Data Skrive.