Nov. 12, 2000
SAN DIEGO - Jamey Cox has made a habit of stepping up just when the Aztecs need her. Last year, when the Aztecs' roster was limited to eight players to open the season, Cox responded by leading San Diego State in scoring as a true freshman.
Sunday afternoon, with exhibition No. 1 starters Sophia Sledge and Missy Schomaker sidelined with injuries, Cox again was ready to answer the bell. After scoring just four points in the exhibition opener, Cox was back to her old self, exploding for a game-high 25 points as the Aztecs cruised to an 86-59 victory over the National Women's Basketball League All-Stars at Cox Arena.
"I tried to play with the same mentality I had last year," said Cox, who connected on 3-of-6 three pointers and also dished out a game-high eight assists. "For some reason, I play better when I know I have to produce. With Missy and Soph out I knew I had to (be a scorer)."
Freshman Nicolette McCartny registered a double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds and junior Claire Swinbank added nine points, all in the second half, as San Diego State held the advantage on the scoreboard for all but the initial 21 seconds of the game.
The Aztecs, who led by 15 at the break and as many as 27 in the second half, limited the All-Stars to just 36-percent shooting on the game, while connecting at a 44-percent clip themselves. SDSU also out rebounded the NWBL club, 48-48, paced by McCartny's effort on the glass.
"This was a great way to start," McCartny said. "I just went out and played the kind of basketball I like to play. We had a lot of fun out there."
The Aztecs also did a much better job of taking care of the ball versus the All-Stars, reducing their turnovers to just 18 after committing 33 in the exhibition opener.
"We worked on our passing every day in practice last week and it showed," said Smith. "Our decision-making was better and that helped us find the things we were looking for in our offense."
Chris Pagano scored 18 points and Kiesha Martin chipped in with 14 points and 11 for the visitors.
But it was the Aztecs' improved focus that proved to be the difference.
"We talked all week about playing with intensity for a full 40 minutes and I felt we came close tonight," head coach Barb Smith said. "Our intensity was better and out focus was better. We just played with a lot more enthusiasm in this game."
San Diego State opens its regular season on Saturday, Nov. 18, when the Aztecs travel to Montana for an intersectional battle with the Lady Griz. The game is scheduled to Tip-off at 7 p.m. Mountain, 6 p.m. Pacific and can be heard live via the Internet at www.goaztecs.com.