PORTLAND, Ore. – The San Diego women's basketball program (2-0, 0-0 WCC) used a strong defensive showing to hold Portland State (1-1, 0-0 Big Sky) in check, earning a 57-47 win at Viking Pavilion.
Three Toreros ended in double figures, with
Amanda Olinger leading the way at 13 points and four rebounds.
Myah Pace added 12 points, while
Kasey Neubert recorded 10.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Much like the season opener, the Toreros jumped out on an early run, this time leading 8-0 through the first four minutes.
- While the rest of the first quarter was even, Ayanna Khalfani made a pair of early baskets to lead 14-7 through the first frame.
- In the second quarter, Olinger would take over, establishing herself in the paint. The Chatsworth, Calif., went 5-for-7 from the field for 10 points.
- However, the Vikings had a response in the quarter, as the edged out an 18-17 advantage in the period behind 41.2% shooting.
- The two sides would trade blows throughout the third quarter, as the Toreros were unable to pull away from the Vikings. However, Neubert began to heat up, going 3-for-3 with six points in the quarter.
- Portland State was able to get it as close as a four-point deficit, but the Toreros locked in when it mattered. Pace carried the offense with five points in the quarter, while the defense turned in their best quarter of the day.
- The Toreros tallied four steals and forced nine Vikings turnovers in the final frame, to pull away for the win.
TORERO TIDBITS
- San Diego has started the season 2-0 for the first time since the 2019-20 season.
- Olinger matched a career high in points 13.
- The Toreros improve to 4-1 all-time against Portland State and are on a four-game winning streak against the Vikings.
- The Toreros dominated in the paint, outscoring the Vikings 38-18.
- After today's win, San Diego has trailed for only 43 seconds to start this season.
- The Toreros shot 50% from the field in the game. The team did that just three times last season and have won their last eight games reaching that threshold.
- Freshman Melesungu Afeaki made her Torero debut in the victory.
UP NEXT
The Toreros will return home to the Jenny Craig Pavilion for a matchup with USC on Tuesday night. The game will tip-off at 6 p.m., and be streamed on the WCC Network.
