MANOA, Hawaii – The San Diego women's basketball program (3-1, 0-0 WCC) turned in a strong defensive effort all afternoon and defeated Lipscomb (2-3, 0-0 ASUN), 49-45, on Friday at the Bank of Hawai'I Classic at SimpliFi Arena at Stan Sheriff Center on the campus of the University of Hawai'i.  
 
Myah Pace helped lead the offense with nine points, five rebounds and five assists. Kiera Oakry added nine points, while Jess Finney added eight points on 2-of-3 from distance.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• Despite a quick 6-2 start for the Bisons, the Toreros were able to bounce back and lock down the Bisons on defense.
• San Diego was able to claw back from the early hole to tie it, before both teams hit their stride in the second quarter.
• Both teams shot 50 percent in the second, with Lipscomb opening on a 7-2 run. The Toreros quickly answered with a 7-0 run of their own, with Finney hitting a three pointer and Harsimran Kaur adding a jumper to take a 17-15 lead.
• After securing a 23-22 halftime lead, Oakry attempted to create some distance with a pair of buckets to open the third quarter, but Lipscomb stayed close, letting the lead get no larger than three.
• Finney recorded another key three pointer early in the fourth quarter, to give the Toreros a 43-39 advantage.
• While Lipscomb cut the lead to one, Oakry recorded the finishing layup and Pace sealed the game at the free throw line late to earn the victory.

 
TORERO TIDBITS

• Melesungu Afeaki scored the first points of her collegiate career in the win.
• Finney recorded a career-high eight points in the win.
• San Diego held an opponent to 45 points or less for the first time since Feb. 6, 2021, when they beat Pepperdine, 70-45.
• The Toreros are 1-0 all-time against Lipscomb following the victory.  
• The San Diego bench won the battle against the Lipscomb bench, outscoring the Bisons 22-2 from the bench.
• The Toreros out-rebounded their opponent for the fourth consecutive game to start the season.

 
UP NEXT
The Toreros will continue their stint at the Bank of Hawaii Classic, as they match up against Florida Gulf Coast on Sunday at 3 p.m. PT.