LA JOLLA, Calif. — UC San Diego women's basketball defeated Denver, 72-54, on Friday evening in LionTree Arena. The Tritons (1-1) used a strong third quarter to defeat the Pioneers (0-2) in their home opener.
 
Sabrina Ma led the Tritons with 19 points, hitting three 3-pointers and converting all four of her free throws. Erin Condron contributed defensively with three blocks while scoring eight points on 4-of-6 shooting. Makayla Rose added eight points and was active on defense with four steals. Dymonique Maxie recorded eight rebounds and added three assists with two steals.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
Both teams got off to a slow start in the opening quarter of play, with the Tritons gaining an early advantage with Rose scoring a fast-break layup at 6:40. Later, Ma connected on a 3-pointer at 4:24, assisted by Condron, to edge ahead, 5-4. Despite the Pioneers' efforts to match the pace, Niya Price scored a crucial layup at 1:51, maintaining a narrow lead. The quarter concluded with the Tritons holding a 12-9 advantage.
 
The Tritons surged ahead in the second quarter with a pivotal 3-pointer by Rosa Smith at 6:31, assisted by Nicki Polocheck, giving them a 17-16 lead. Junaé Mahan contributed crucial points with a layup and a jumper, keeping the score tight. In the final moments, Polocheck hit another 3-pointer at 1:03, assisted by Mahan, pushing the Tritons to a 28-25 halftime advantage.
 
UC San Diego seized control in the third quarter with a decisive nine-point run, highlighted by Ma's 3-pointer at 9:27 and a layup at 5:16. Condron contributed significantly with key rebounds and timely scoring, including a layup at 7:42. The team demonstrated strong defensive pressure, forcing six turnovers from the Pioneers. The Tritons outscored DU, 31-16, in the period and closed the quarter leading, 59-41.
 
The Tritons maintained control in the fourth quarter with a strong presence in the paint, scoring 12 points inside. Ma's steal and assist to Condron for a fast-break layup at 8:06 extended their lead, 61-41, setting the tone for the quarter. Rose contributed with a layup and a free throw, as the Tritons built a comfortable margin. Despite the Pioneers' attempts to close the gap, the Tritons' defense and efficient scoring secured the quarter. The game ended with the Tritons victorious, 72-54.
 
TRITON TIDBITS

• Nine different Tritons scored in the contest.
• UC San Diego had the advantage in points off turnovers (20-7), second chance points (11-9), bench points (24-20), points in the paint (38-14), fast break points (17-6), turnovers forced (23-12) and steals (11-3).
• With the win, the Tritons are now 1-1 in the all-time series with Denver.
• UC San Diego starters were Erin Condron, Lev Feiman, Sabrina Ma, Dymonique Maxie and Makayla Rose. 

 
UP NEXT
The Tritons will remain in La Jolla for a contest with Sacramento State on Wednesday at 6 p.m. in LionTree Arena. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ and live statistics will be available via UCSDTritons.com.
 
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About UC San Diego Athletics
After two decades as one of the most successful programs in NCAA Division II, the UC San Diego intercollegiate athletics program began a new era in 2020 as a member of The Big West in NCAA Division I. The 23-sport Tritons earned 30 team and nearly 150 individual national championships during its time in Divisions II and III and helped guide 1,400 scholar-athletes to All-America honors. A total of 84 Tritons have earned Academic All-America honors, while 38 have earned prestigious NCAA Post Graduate Scholarships. UC San Diego scholar-athletes exemplify the academic ideals of one of the world's preeminent institutions, graduating at an average rate of 91 percent, one of the highest rates among institutions at all divisions.