Early deficit too much to overcome vs. Aztecs

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The University of New Mexico women’s basketball team was unable to overcome an early first quarter deficit at home against San Diego State on Wednesday night inside Dreamstyle Arena – The Pit as the Lobos ultimately fell to the Aztecs by a score of 67-58.
 
The deficit began early in the game as the Aztecs (12-14, 7-7 MW) raced out to an 8-0 lead through the first two and a half minutes. The Lobos (13-13, 4-9 MW) were able to score their first points of the game at the 7:21 mark of the first quarter, but a quick 5-0 burst by the Aztecs game them a double-digit lead about a minute later.
 
The Aztecs were able to maintain the double-digit lead the remainder of the quarter and grabbed a lead as large as 19 points as the Lobos were unable to find a rhythm offensively. In that opening period, the Lobos shot just 22% overall, were 0-of-7 from three-point range and 1-of-4 from the charity stripe.
 
As difficult of a shooting quarter as it was for the Lobos, the opposite was true for the Aztecs as they seemingly could not miss a shot. In the quarter, SDSU was 9-of-13 overall from the floor, 4-of-5 from three-point range and 4-of-5 from the free throw line.
 
Despite the cold shooting and sizable deficit, the Lobos found their footing in the second quarter and outscored the Aztecs 21-18 drawing to within 14 points, 44-30 at the end the first half.
 
That positive trend continued in a major way in the third quarter as the Lobo defense clamped down and held the Aztecs to just 10 points on 3-of-17 shooting overall. With the defense limiting the Aztecs, the Lobo offense was able to keep chipping away at the deficit and got as close as five points at the 6:23 mark. By the end of the quarter, the Lobos were keeping the Aztecs within reach and trailed by just six points, 54-48.
 
In the early part of the fourth quarter, the Lobos kept the pressure on the Aztecs and got as close as three points at the 4:49 mark on a jumper by Corina Carter. The Aztecs responded on their next trip down the court and took a five-point lead, 63-58, with 4:27 left on the clock. The Lobos would not be able to add anymore to their scoring the remainder of the game.
 
Statistically, the Lobos had three players in double figures and were led by Ahlise Hurst’s 13 points. Shaiquel McGruder was next in scoring with 12 points off the bench. McGruder also led the team with eight rebounds. Antonia Anderson rounded out double figure with 10 points.
 
The Lobos will now prepare for a two-game road swing beginning this coming Saturday at UNLV. Tip-off for the game is scheduled for 4 p.m. (MT).