Nov. 9, 2014
San Jose, Calif. - Six Spartans scored in double figures, with two putting up double-doubles, as the San José State women's basketball team defeated UC Santa Cruz 99-53 on Sunday afternoon in The Event Center.
The Spartans, in their only exhibition game of the year, used relentless defensive pressure to force the Banana Slug into 41 turnovers and turned them into 45 points. Jasmine Smith led the team with five steals and 18 points. She also grabbed seven of the team's 57 rebounds.
San Jose State enjoyed a 57-38 advantage on the glass, led by Riana Byrd's 12 rebounds. She also scored 17 points, on 7-of-11 shooting, in 17 minutes of action. Rebecca Woodberry added 14 points and grabbed 10 boards, including six off the offensive glass.
San José State was in control of the game from the start. Leading 10-5 with 16:44 to play in the first half, they went on a 32-4 run over the next 10 minutes to push their advantage to 42-9 inside seven minutes to go in the half.
UC Santa Cruz would get not closer than 25 points the rest of the way. The Spartans would lead by as many as 47 on their way to the 46-point win.
Aniya Baker scored 16 points, including 4-of-4 from beyond the arc, and dished out three assists. Freshmen Ali Bettencourt chipped in 12 points and Myzhanique Ladd picked Banana Slugs' pockets four times and pulled down five rebounds.
Ta'Rea Cunnigan added 11 points, four assists and grabbed three of the Spartans 26 steals. Chereese Thomas, seeing her first action in a year after redshirting last season, scored four points, stole the ball four times and led the team with five assists.
Emily Vann's two points and three rebounds and Rachol West's three points and five assists complete the Spartans scoring for the night.
Sara Crane, who scored 11 points and grabbed six rebounds, led UC Santa Cruz.
San José State opens its regular season on November 14, at Utah. Tipoff between the Spartans and Utes is scheduled for 4:00 p.m.