Riley Boosts Cougars To Victory

SAN DIEGO -- The BYU women's basketball team rallied back after an early deficit to get the 65-55 win over the homestanding San Diego State Aztecs, Wednesday.

"We hung together while playing with maturity and experience tonight," said BYU head coach Jeff Judkins. "We didn't doubt ourselves. Kristen (Riley) came in and gave us a big lift, both offensively and defensively. She really had a great game tonight."

Junior forward Kristen Riley recorded a new career-high 23 points in her explosive performance against the Aztecs on the road. She also added seven rebounds, two blocks and one assist.

Teammates Coriann Fraughton (Wood) and Mindy Bonham joined Riley in double-figures with 14 points apiece.

The Aztecs went on a 10-0 run early in the first half to give them the 14-4 lead after six minutes of action.

From there, however, the Cougars took back control of the game as they went on a 30-12 scoring streak to close out the half with a five-point lead. Riley led all players with 13 points as the teams headed into the locker room at halftime.

BYU extended their lead in the second half with a 9-0 run after being back from the half for just three minutes. Six of those nine points came from Riley.

The Cougars finished out the game, tallying 32 rebounds to the Aztec's 26 and 22 assists to San Diego State's nine. BYU senior guard Mindy recorded nine assists herself.

Up next for BYU is a game at home in the Marriott Center against New Mexico on Saturday, Jan. 29, at 1 p.m.

Postgame Notes

Team

-For the seventh time on the year and the third in MWC action, the Cougars finished the game with three players in double figures.

-BYU grabbed 32 rebounds to SDSU’s 26 and are now 11-2 on the season when they outrebound opponents.

-The Cougars improved to 12-1 on the season when leading at the half. Against the Aztecs they enjoyed a five-point, 31-26 advantage at the break.

-The Cougars had just 13 turnovers in the game improving their record to 10-1 on the year when having 16 or less miscues.

Player

-Kristen Riley picked up new season and career highs in points with 23, 13 of which came in the first half marking her ninth season and 21st overall double figure contest and the second straight in league play. The points were team and game highs as well.

-Mindy Bonham scored in double digits for the 14th time this year and the 54th in her career with 14 points. She also dished out nine assists, which tied for team and game highs.

-Coriann Fraughton tallied 14 points in the win recording her 39th career and 12th season double-digit outing.

-Haley Hall dished out nine assists in the game, which tied for team and game highs.