Dec. 29, 2016
SAN DIEGO -
Weekly ReleaseSan Diego State opens the Mountain West campaign on Sat., Dec. 31 with a 7 p.m. (MT) contest at New Mexico. Chris Ello will call the play-by-play action for live audio on GoAztecs.com and a live stream on the Mountain West Network.
San Diego State is enjoying its longest win streak of the year at three games after topping Biola at home, 63-48. The Aztecs produced one of its finest defensive efforts of the season, holding the Eagles to a season-low 48 points Wednesday evening. Biola's 48 points was the fewest allowed by SDSU this year, and its fewest allowed since a 62-44 win over Wyoming in the first round of the 2016 Mountain West Tournament.
In just her second game in the Scarlet and Black following a transfer from Washington, Khalia Lark got a career-high 14 points and nine rebounds. Ariell Bostick was a defensive powerhouse, posting a career-best 10 assists, the most for an Aztec since Chelsea Hopkins' 14 assists on March 14, 2013 vs. Nevada, to go alongside seven rebounds. Lexy Thorderson grabbed a season-high five boards and Monique Terry produced eight points for her most as a collegian. Kymberly Ellison, who ranked second in the Mountain West with 24 made 3-pointers coming into the game, made three against the Eagles for nine points.
As the season has progressed, the Aztecs have shown marked improvement, and have displayed growth when compared to its non-conference slate last year. While the 2016-17 team has the same non-conference record as the 2015-16 team at 5-6, SDSU has a better shooting percentage (.407, 66-for-215 vs. .386, 238-for-617), a better 3-point shooting percentage (.307, 66-for-215 vs. .279, 51-for-183), a markedly improved free-throw percentage (.750, 144-for-192 vs. .612, 126-for-206), more assists (125 vs. 120) and more points per game (63.5 vs. 59.4).
After opening the season with a pair of wins over Fairleigh Dickinson and New Mexico State, New Mexico stumbled with four-straight losses. The team opens its Mountain West season on Thursday with a road contest against Fresno State. The Lobos are led offensively by senior transfer Richelle van der Keijl's 15.2 points and 10.6 rebounds.
After its game at New Mexico, San Diego State welcomes Nevada to Viejas Arena for its first home Mountain West game on Weds., Jan. 4 at 6:30 p.m.