USU Women give up fourth quarter lead, fall to CSU

FORT COLLINS — In the heartbreaker of the season, Utah State narrowly lost to Colorado State 83 to 86 on Wednesday night.  

After leading 48 to 23 at halftime, the Aggies looked ready to snatch their third conference win. But a late 4th-period come back from CSU sent USU home with their fourth straight loss. 

At the start of the final period, the Aggies were up 66 to 57. The Aggies led the entire game, so a CSU comeback seemed unlikely. After a series of fatigue-induced Aggie turnovers, CSU took the lead with 5 seconds to play. The scoreboard read 82 to 85. The Aggies had the final shot. Guard Menna Mensah caught the ball at the corner of the arc and put up the potential game-tying three. 

The arena stood still. 

The silence was broken by the sound of the buzzer as Mensah’s shot danced around the rim. No good. 

CSU decked out in “pumpkin and alfalfa” uniforms embraced one another as the Aggies took the all too familiar retreat back into the locker room. 

Their second straight late-game loss can be credited to desire. “(CSU) wanted it more than us.” said Coach Ard. “They played a lot harder than us in the second half. They deserved to win.” 

Despite the outcome, the Aggie’s offense performed exceptionally well. They shot 49% from the field and 45% from deep compared to their season averages of 38% and 29% respectively. Four Aggies, Adryana Quezada, E’Lease Stafford, Shyla Latone and Menna Mensah, all recorded double-digit points in their second-highest scoring game of the season. The Aggies reached their average points per game, 66, by the end of the third period. The quarter closed off on a buzzer-beating three from Mensah. 

The charity stripe continues to be the Aggie’s weakest spot on offense. They shot 8 for 16 compared to CSU’s 11 for 11. 

Leading all players in rebounds and points was Adryana Quezada. She scored 29 points and a career-high 15 rebounds in her double-double. She’s now averaged 24.8 points in the last seven games. 

On the defensive end, the Aggies clamped down on CSU early. They allowed only 11 1st period points and 17 2nd period points. The Aggies also claimed stake over the post area, outrebounding CSU 41-34. 

CSU’s comeback was spearheaded by McKenna Hoschild and Upe Atosu. They scored 47 of their team’s 85 points. Hofschild dished out 13 assists to the Aggie’s collective 15.

The Aggies will take on the Mountain West’s 3rd seed, Nevada, at home on Friday.