Cougars Even Season Series With Aztecs

PROVO -- The BYU women's basketball team avenged a two-point loss earlier this year to San Diego State by beating the Aztecs in convincing fashion, 76-53, Saturday night at the Marriott Center.

The Cougars went into halftime with a comfortable 45-26 lead and did not let up. BYU shot only 37. 0 percent from the field in the second half, but shot a sizzling 66.5 percent with three three pointers in the first half. The Cougars were led by Heather Cheesman who had 15 points on 6-of-8 shooting and Lisa Osguthorpe who had a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Sophomore All-American Erin Thorn chipped in 13 points, including three three pointers, while Caroline Beus and Julie Whetten had nine points a piece. BYU outrebounded SDSU 46-32 and held the Aztecs to 29.8 percent shooting from the field in the second half.

"I thought we played another great game tonight," BYU coach Trent Shippen said. "We are getting better execution and gaining confidence. Out team is learning each others strengths and weaknesses, and playing well together."

The Aztecs were led by senior guard Sophia Sledge who had 13 points, including three three pointers, and Atim Otii who had 10 points and seven rebounds.

The win improves the Cougars record to 14-8 (6-3) on the season, while SDSU drops to 11-11 (3-6) on the year. BYU will next play at Colorado State, Thursday at 7 p.m.