The Boise State women’s basketball team split the two-game series against San Diego State on Feb. 26 and Feb. 28. This matchup was the last for the Broncos in the regular season.
Guard Jade Loville started out the game with a mid-range jumper. Shortly after, center Mallory McGwire scored a 3-pointer.
During the first quarter, the Broncos had a 12-point run over the Aztecs. Forward Abby Muse had six points in the first quarter.
In the second quarter, the Aztecs started to come back. With minutes left, guard Mary Kay Naro shot a 3-pointer, but directly after SDSU shot a 3-pointer to tie the game.
“We were continually put in rotation and [SDSU] continually hit threes out of it and it cost us in the end,” said Head Coach Gordy Presnell. “Pretty disappointing, but we have to battle back and get ready for Sunday.”
Closing out the half was forward Elodie Lalotte with a jumper to lead by one point over the Aztecs.
McGwire came out of halftime with a 3-pointer of her own. This was her fourth 3-pointer of the game and she was the scoring leader during this game.
The third quarter was an all-around effort from the Broncos as they kept their lead over the Aztecs.
In the fourth quarter, it came down to a one-point lead after SDSU shot a 3-pointer. As the clock rolled out, SDSU scored to take the lead and beat the Broncos 74-72.
“We thought we had the game too and that was why we gave it up,” said forward Alexis Mark who had a career-high of seven assists.
Game two of the series began with a ceremony to honor senior Mallory McGwire at her final game of the season.
The Broncos came back for revenge and rolled over the Aztecs to win the game 85-44. The team dedicated this win to their only senior, McGwire.
“I think Mallory’s done a lot for our program,” Presnell said. “She’s one of the all-time best players we’ve had here. We want to celebrate her and do everything we can to get a victory for her on her last home game and finish the season strong with a win.”
The 41 point difference was the largest for Boise State in a Mountain West game and hadn’t been achieved since the Bronco win (80-38) over the Utah State Aggies in 2007.
To close out the first quarter, the Broncos led by 10 points. They continued to lead 36-21 into halftime.
Leading the Broncos in points was Loville with 21. Hot on her heels was McGwire who had a successful senior night with 18 points, seven rebounds, three steals and two blocks.
Heading into the third quarter the Broncos outscored the Aztecs with 26 points. SDSU was unable to score on the Broncos for the last seven minutes of play.
The final minutes were an all-around effort from the Broncos team as the reserves saw some playing time. It was guard Martina Machalova who wrapped up the team’s conference season with a layup.
