December 1, 1998
SAN DIEGO - The San Diego State women's basketball team won its first game of the year as it defeated Idaho State, 66-58 in the first round of the Inaugural San Diego State Thanksgiving Classic.
The Aztecs (1-3) had three players score in double figures, led by junior guard Sophia Sledge, with 17 points. Freshman center Atim Otii nearly recorded the first double-double of her career, as she scored 13 points and grabbed nine rebounds. Freshman guard Claire Swinbank knocked down five-of-eight shots from the field en route to scoring a career-high 10 points.
SDSU sophomore power forward Anita Bundage hauled in a career-high 12 rebounds, and converted on five-of-six free-throw attempts. The Conroe, Texas. native also added seven points and two steals. Senior point guard Charley Murray posted a season-high six assists.
Trailing 21-18 at the 7:16 mark of the first half, Murray made a three pointer to tie the game and ignite a streak of nine unanswered points by the Aztecs. SDSU led 27-21 with 3:58 left in the first half and would not look back. State opened up a 14-point lead at one point in the second half and kept ISU at arm's length for the remainder of the game.
By defeating the Bengals, the Aztecs qualified for the championship game of the tournament. In other tournament action, Penn State upset ninth-ranked North Carolina State to qualify for the championship against SDSU.