Furious late-game comeback falls just short at SDSU
SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Down eight points with 25 seconds left on the fourth quarter clock, the University of New Mexico women’s basketball team roared back and ripped off a 9-0 run over the next 16 seconds of game time to take a one-point lead with five seconds left. Moments later, San Diego State regained the lead and eventually came away with the win as the Lobos’ final shots at the horn did not fall.
Sparking that chaotic final sequence of game action for the Lobos (12-11, 3-7 MW) was junior guard Jaedyn De La Cerda. After the Aztecs (10-13, 5-6 MW) grabbed the aforementioned eight-point lead, De La Cerda came back down to court for Lobos and buried a three-pointer to make it a five-point game with 24 seconds left.
Following a timeout by the Aztecs, the Lobo defense was able to force a turnover with a steal by Jordan Hosey. Hosey then got the ball down the court and quickly found Aisia Robertson, who promptly knocked down a three-pointer as well, this one making it a two-point game, 73-71, with 18 seconds left.
Another SDSU timeout followed and yet again, the Aztecs turned the ball over on the in-bounds play, giving the ball back to the Lobos, On the ensuing trip down the court, Hosey drew a foul and went to the line with a chance to tie the game at 73-all with nine seconds left.
In the midst of a record women’s basketball crowd of 5,320 at Vijeas Arena thanks to Field Trip Day, all of which were at full throat during Hoesy’s trip to the line, Hosey calmly sunk the first attempt and drew the Lobos within a point, 73-72. Hosey then drew iron on her second attempt, but on the miss, Robertson was in the right place at the right time and collected the ball and put it back in, giving the Lobos a 74-73 lead with just five seconds left.
With a timeout to call, the Aztecs elected to quickly inbound the ball to Sophia Ramos. After successfully receiving the in-bounds play, Ramos raced up to mid-court where she was fouled with five seconds left. At the line, Ramos nailed both attempts to give SDSU the lead once more, 75-74.
Out of timeouts, the Lobos got the ball in-bounded to Robertson, who quickly got the ball into the front court and gave the Lobos a shot at a potential game-winning basket. The initial attempt was no good but was hauled in by Hosey on the offensive glass. The secondary effort also was no good and may have not gotten off in time as the final horn blew during that sequence.
Statistically, the Lobos had four players in double figures and were led by De La Cerda and her 24 points. All but six of those points by De La Cerda were scored in the second half. Behind De La Cerda in scoring was Hosey with 16 points. Robertson followed with 15 points while Antonia Anderson rounded out double figure scoring with 11 points.
The Lobos will return home and prepare to host league-leading Fresno State on Saturday, February 1. Depending on the outcome of their game later on Wednesday, the Bulldogs will come into Dreamstyle Arena – The Pit at worst with one loss in league play. Tip-off for the game is scheduled for 2 p.m.