The San Diego State Aztecs women's basketball team secured their 11th win of the season with a thrilling victory over the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors, finishing the game with a close score of 54-52. This match marked the end of their non-conference season, as the team is set to face their first conference opponent on December 29.
The Aztecs found themselves trailing for most of the game, but they mounted a remarkable comeback, thanks to standout player Naomi Panganiban, who led the team with 24 points. Panganiban showcased her shooting prowess, finishing the game with nine field goals out of 18 attempts and hitting four of eight three-point shots. Reflecting on her success, she commented, "Good preparation and good sleep the night before. Generally, I think it’s the belief and the confidence the coaches and my teammates have in my ability to shoot." This insight speaks volumes about the mental preparation athletes undergo before performing at their best.
The game opened with high intensity, as both teams traded leads frequently. The first three-pointer of the match was made by SDSU guard Nat Martinez, which gave the Aztecs an early 6-4 lead. The Aztecs managed to close the first quarter with an 18-14 advantage. But as the second quarter unfolded, the momentum shifted when Hawaii went on a 10-0 run, pulling ahead to 24-21. The Aztecs struggled shortly thereafter, going over five minutes without scoring, allowing Hawaii to maintain their lead and finish the half at 30-25.
After halftime, Hawaii quickly increased the gap to 33-25, but SDSU's determination grew as they focused on tightening their defense. The Aztecs slowly but surely chipped away at Hawaii’s lead, managing to reduce it to just one point by the start of the final quarter with the score at 38-42. Head Coach Stacie Terry-Hutson acknowledged the tense atmosphere, stating, "We knew this was going to be a close game. We wanted to make sure we did our best to get stops and put ourselves in a situation to score the ball."
Early in the fourth quarter, Hawaii looked to extend their lead once more, moving to 45-38, but the Aztecs erupted for a seven-point run to take the lead at 45-44. With just five minutes left on the clock, the teams seemed evenly matched. The score bounced back and forth as both teams sought the advantage, culminating on another strong display of teamwork and resilience from the Aztecs.
With one minute remaining, the Aztecs were able to secure back-to-back free throws, giving them the edge with the score at 52-49. This nail-biting final minute saw Hawaii push back and tie the score at 52 points apiece, creating high stakes for the concluding moments of the game.
Strategically using their final timeout, SDSU executed their final possession carefully, running down the clock before Veronica Sheffey hit the go-ahead basket with just eight seconds left. The final score was sealed when Hawaii failed to convert on their last attempt, handing the Aztecs the victory.
Completing their non-conference schedule with this nail-biting win not only boosts the Aztecs' confidence but sets them up well for their conference challenges. Their next game is against Boise State, scheduled for December 29 at 1 p.m. at Viejas Arena, where all eyes will be on how they continue to build on their success.
