The San Diego State University (SDSU) women’s basketball team is gearing up to host Hawai’i for their final non-conference matchup of the season, set to take place on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. With a stellar record of 10-2, the Aztecs are looking to extend their impressive run and secure their most non-conference wins since the 1983-84 season, marking a historic milestone for the program. Etruesports is committed to providing an in-depth preview of this key matchup, highlighting the Aztecs’ strong performance and key players to keep an eye on.
Aztecs Seek Historic Non-Conference Victory
San Diego State’s 10 non-conference victories this season are the most the program has earned since the 2011-12 campaign. If the Aztecs manage to secure a win over Hawai’i on Saturday, it will be their best non-conference record since the 1983-84 team completed a perfect 13-0 season. The Aztecs’ last outing saw a tough double-overtime loss to Stephen F. Austin, which ended a nearly year-long home winning streak. Despite this setback, the Aztecs have continued to demonstrate resilience, with a balanced team effort that has defined their season so far.
Standout Team and Player Performances
One of the key factors in SDSU’s success this season has been their remarkable depth and balance, particularly from their bench players. The Aztecs lead the nation in bench scoring, averaging an impressive 36.8 points per game. In their recent game against Stephen F. Austin, the bench stepped up to contribute 47 points, the most this season against a Division I opponent.
Key contributors off the bench include:
- Adryana Quezada: Averaging 10.8 points per game
- Naomi Panganiban: Averaging 9.8 points per game
- Nat Martinez: Averaging 9.4 points per game
In addition to these standout players, seven Aztecs are averaging between seven and 11 points per game, showcasing an extraordinary level of offensive depth and versatility across the roster.
Defensively, SDSU has been a force to be reckoned with. The team leads the Mountain West Conference in three-point shooting efficiency, with a mark of 37.3%, and ranks second in the conference in points allowed per game (58.4). Their commitment to defense is also evident in their national ranking for turnover margin, where they sit among the leaders with a +7.1 margin.
Aztecs to Face Hawai’i (image via Getty)Players to Watch
The Aztecs feature several rising stars and veteran leaders who have made significant contributions this season. Freshman Naomi Panganiban has earned Mountain West Freshman of the Week honors for her impressive performances, including an average of 21.7 points over her last three games, highlighted by an 18-point outing against Stephen F. Austin.
Senior Nat Martinez has also been a key offensive weapon, scoring 21 points in their most recent game, marking her second 20-point performance of the season. Additionally, Adryana Quezada continues to etch her name in the program’s history books, surpassing 1,400 career points and 700 rebounds, a feat only six players in the nation have achieved. Kim Villalobos, another senior leader, is one of only seven players nationally with over 1,000 points, 700 rebounds, 200 assists, 150 steals, and 75 blocks in her career.
Hawai’i Preview
The Hawai’i Rainbow Wahine come into this game with a 6-3 record and are known for their stifling defense. Ranked among the top 10 teams nationally in both field goal percentage defense (32.8%) and blocks per game (6.9), Hawai’i presents a formidable challenge. Their standout player, Lily Wahinekapu, leads the team with an average of 11.1 points per game, providing a reliable scoring threat for the Wahine.
Series History and What to Expect
San Diego State holds a slight edge in the all-time series against Hawai’i, leading 15-13. The Aztecs have been particularly dominant on their home court, posting a 9-5 record against the Rainbow Wahine in games played at SDSU. The last meeting between the two teams took place in 2019, with Hawai’i narrowly escaping with a 61-58 victory.
Etruesports Analysis
SDSU’s combination of deep bench production, strong defense, and balanced scoring makes them a formidable opponent heading into this matchup. The Aztecs are poised to make a statement with a victory that would cap off an outstanding non-conference campaign. Etruesports will continue to monitor and report on the Aztecs’ progress as they look to build momentum for the remainder of the season. Stay tuned to Etruesports for comprehensive coverage and expert analysis of SDSU’s quest for success.
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