The University of Wyoming women’s basketball team defeated San Diego State 64-51 on Saturday at Viejas Arena, snapping the Aztecs’ three-game winning streak, Wyoming Tribune Eagle reports.
The victory was fueled by seven made 3-pointers and an aggressive defensive strategy that netted 11 steals.
Senior Allyson Fertig led all scorers with 20 points, shooting an impressive 71% from the field. Three other Cowgirls—Emily Mellema (11 points), Tess Barnes (11), and Malene Pedersen (10)—also scored in double figures.
“It started at the defensive end for us,” Wyoming head coach Heather Ezell told KOWB radio. “We started stacking defensive stops and kept going to what was working. Fertig was definitely working inside.”
San Diego State (17-8, 6-6 Mountain West) kept pace early but encountered a 3-minute, 51-second scoring drought in the first quarter. Wyoming capitalized, with Barnes sinking the game’s first 3-pointer. A key offensive rebound and put-back by Fertig helped the Cowgirls maintain momentum.
Wyoming never relinquished its lead after pulling ahead in the second quarter. Graduate student McKinley Dickerson contributed key free throws, and the Cowgirls went into halftime with a six-point cushion.
The Cowgirls extended their lead early in the third quarter with a quick four-point burst, capped by a steal and layup from Barnes. Pedersen added another layup, forcing San Diego State into a timeout. Mellema followed with a 3-pointer, pushing the run to nine points.
Though Wyoming went scoreless in the final two-and-a-half minutes of the quarter, its defense remained resilient, limiting the Aztecs’ offensive opportunities.
“They play defense and forced turnovers,” Ezell said. “But we were able to get some back when we needed. We talked about being high in gaps when they put the ball on the floor.”
The Cowgirls started the fourth quarter with a 9-2 run, rebuilding their double-digit lead. Fertig’s consistent scoring inside and Pedersen’s timely layups kept Wyoming in control. Mellema hit a key 3-pointer late in the game, followed by another assist from Fertig, who set a career-high with five assists.
San Diego State was held scoreless over the final two-and-a-half minutes as Wyoming secured the win. Seven different Cowgirls recorded a steal during the game, showcasing their defensive depth.
The Cowgirls (14-9 overall, 8-3 Mountain West) return home for a matchup against Air Force on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. inside the Arena-Auditorium.
Coach Ezell praised the team’s collective effort, mentioning standout performances from Kati Ollilainen and Logan Alvar.
“We’re going to stop for ice cream on the way back home to Laramie to celebrate the birthday girl (Alvar),” Ezell added with a smile.
Wyoming 64, San Diego State 51
- Top Scorer: Allyson Fertig (20 points, 10-14 shooting)
- Key Stats: 7 made 3-pointers, 11 steals, 29 rebounds
- Next Game: Wyoming vs. Air Force, Wednesday, 6:30 p.m.
