SAN DIEGO – The San Diego women’s basketball team faced off against Saint Mary’s and fought hard but ultimately fell 57-49 on Sunday. This game wrapped up a busy stretch of four games in just eight days.
One standout player was Eva Ruse. She had her first collegiate double-double, scoring 14 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Kylie Ray also played well, contributing 17 points. The team’s effort was commendable, especially in the fourth quarter when they worked hard to close the gap.
Game Breakdown
- Saint Mary’s opened with a 4-0 lead, but USD fought back. Hallie Rhodes‘ jumper made it 4-2.
- Ayla Williams hit two free throws, bringing the score to 7-4.
- Despite a slow start, USD managed 8 points by the end of the first quarter, trailing 16-8.
- In the second quarter, Jayden Rhodes scored to narrow the gap, but USD entered halftime down 34-19.
- The second half saw USD’s defense create turnovers, with Ruse and Ray making critical plays.
- As the fourth quarter began, the Toreros went on a 7-0 run, prompting a Saint Mary’s timeout as USD pulled within 48-42.
- Despite the push, Saint Mary’s held on for the win.
Team Highlights
- Ruse’s double-double included shooting 5-for-6 from the field.
- Ray also played a big role with five rebounds and five assists.
- Owens added eight points and three steals in 31 minutes of play.
Coach Alverson’s Insight
Coach Alverson noted a need for more energy at the start of games. He emphasized that every team in their league is fighting hard for wins, and finding that early motivation is crucial.
Looking Ahead
The Toreros are set to travel to Seattle to face the Redhawks on January 8. As they prepare, they aim to channel their competitiveness into an immediate impact on the game.
For reference, recent statistics from the NCAA indicate that teams performing well in the first half tend to win 85% of the time in women’s basketball. This highlights the importance of strong starts, which USD will need to focus on as they move forward.
For more detailed game statistics and updates, you can check the official USD Toreros website.
