University of Washington
San Diego State
Huskies Disrupted By Aztecs In 63-51 Defeat in San Diego
November 26, 2011 | Women's Basketball
Nov. 26, 2011
SAN DIEGO - When Washington women's basketball coach Kevin McGuff was asked to describe San Diego State before the game, he wondered aloud if this Aztecs group would be the fastest team the Huskies would face all season.
Regina Rogers was a monster all afternoon for the Huskies, tallying a career-high 26 points to go along with 10 rebounds. But it wasn't enough as SDSU pulled away in the second half for a 63-51 victory Saturday at Viejas Arena. All game long, the Huskies struggled to get in an offensive rhythm against the long, disruptive Aztecs.
"Give them credit; they are a good defensive team. They really bring a lot of pressure," McGuff said. "But for us it comes down to execution ... that was the story of the game."
Overall, the road trip was a positive for the Huskies, who opened with a win over UC Santa Barbara, a team that went to the postseason last year. McGuff knew his young team would be tested here in San Diego, but wanted to use this as a litmus test to see where his group needs to be going forward.
The Dawgs were able to take the Aztecs out of their up-tempo offense, forcing SDSU to play a more traditional half-court style. Aztecs star Courtney Clements was largely held in check by Charmaine Barlow, scoring just 11 points after averaging over 22 coming into the game. And SDSU shot just 36 percent from the floor.
The issue for UW, though, was turnovers. Washington committed 25 giveaways, something McGuff lamented following the game. It was the clear reason, he said, why the Huskies lost.
Rogers went 12-of-18 from the floor, despite the double- and triple-teams from San Diego State defenders. She also worked hard on the glass, with six of her 10 boards coming from the offensive end. Where Rogers has excelled this year is passing the ball out of pressure and allowing the Huskies to work their motion offense to give her a better look.
"Coaches have been working with me all season about attacking double teams," Rogers said.
As good as Rogers was Saturday, the Huskies could only manage nine points between starting guards Mercedes Wetmore and Jazmine Davis, both of whom struggled against the Aztecs pressure defense. Many of those turnovers led to easy layups on the corresponding end, with Chairese Culberson leading the way for the Aztecs with 14 points.
But there's little time to dwell on the loss. Washington has to travel to neighboring Idaho to face the Vandals in Moscow on Wednesday night. This was emphasized in McGuff's postgame message to his team. Move on, but be ready to improve when you return to practice.
