Cal Poly women’s basketball wrapped up their non-conference schedule with a 66-58 road win over Southern Utah in the America First Event Center on Saturday afternoon.
The Mustangs (6-6, 1-1 Big West) have faced a challenging non-conference schedule, including matchups against top-tier opponents like No. 1 UCLA (12-0) just a few weeks ago and USC (11-1) in the beginning of the season.
Matchups like these have helped prepare the Mustangs for the intensity of the Big West play by exposing them to high-caliber competition early in the season.
Mustangs set the tone early with fast start
Early three-pointers set the tone for the Mustangs in their win over the Thunderbirds, jumping out to a 17-0 lead to start the game.
The Mustangs were unstoppable in the first quarter, outscoring the Thunderbirds 27-8.
Cal Poly had five three-pointers to end the first quarter, with help from senior guard Annika Shah, who scored three threes from behind the arc, quickly racking up nine points to start the game.
Turnovers cost the Mustangs
However, the momentum shifted in the second quarter when the Thunderbirds increased their defensive pressure, forcing numerous Cal Poly turnovers and outscoring the Mustangs 14-9.
After picking up two fouls early in the first quarter, Shah was benched for the entire second quarter.
Her absence disrupted the team’s offensive rhythm, leading to a scoring drought, as her ability to stretch the floor with her three-point shooting was sorely missed.
As the game progressed, the Thunderbirds began to close the gap, capitalizing on a series of turnovers from Cal Poly.
The Thunderbirds were able to rack up 21 points off turnovers alone.
Turnovers have been an issue for the Mustangs the whole season, often hindering their ability to maintain control and momentum in games.
Carter and Shah lead the way to victory
Although the Thunderbirds tried clawing their way back to contention, the early lead from the Mustangs made it difficult for them to fully make a comeback.
Sophomore guard Mary Carter ended the game with a double-double of 16 points and 11 rebounds.
Her presence on the boards plagued Southern Utah, disrupting their rhythm and making it difficult for them to gain second-chance opportunities.
Shah finished the game with 25 points, just one shy of tying her career-high, which she set in the previous game against Seattle University.
The Mustangs are fully immersed in Big West play, where they will face off against UC Irvine on Thursday, Jan. 2 at Bren Events Center.
