Aggies snap losing skid, Brewster scores 17 in win over Air Force

The Utah State women’s basketball team used a season-high 17-point effort from senior guard Rachel Brewster to end its losing streak on Saturday, picking up a win at home against Air Force, 64-55.

“A sense of relief,” said USU head coach Jerry Finkbeiner of his team getting a win after six-straight losses.

Utah State shot 6-of-10 from the field in the first quarter, which provided a much needed hot start for the Aggies who have struggled shooting from the field in their last several games.

“We have a new offense, and tonight we started the game with it,” Finkbeiner said.

The Aggies also played tough defense to match their offensive output. USU recorded five blocks in the first half, two of which were by senior center Deja Mason.

“The girls just (said) it’s time, put the foot to the pedal, break them on defense and push it on offense,” Finkbeiner said. “I like the spirit we showed.”

Both teams came out of halftime and had their best scoring quarters in the third, Air Force tallying 20 and USU 19. Two free throws by Shannon Dufficy in the final seconds of the period pushed the Aggies ahead, 46-44.

The Aggies re-established their defensive presence in the fourth, however, and held the Falcons to just 11 points in the final quarter. USU freshman guard Steph Gorman also had two of the team’s five total threes in the period.

“Usually that fourth quarter is reversed, the other team hits big shots and plays good defense, “Finkbeiner said. “Tonight, we did that.

In addition to Brewster, both Gorman and junior forward Shannon Dufficy finished in double figures.

“My biggest challenge as a coach is: how can we have more than one have a nice offensive night?” Finkbeiner said. “Sure is nice to have Rachel and Steph step up for us.”

USU has five games remaining until they travel to Las Vegas to compete in the MW tournament beginning March 10. This win puts them at 11-13 on the season and 6-7 in conference play.

“We still have a lot to improve on, which I think is a positive, that we can still improve for these next five games,” Brewster said.

Next, Utah State will travel and face the second-ranked team in the Mountain West, New Mexico on Wednesday at 7 p.m.