Women’s basketball road recap: Aggies come up short in Albuquerque

The Aggies fell to New Mexico 73-65 last Saturday night, highlighting the ongoing clash of brilliance and struggle USU Women’s Basketball head coach Wesley Brooks has seen in his team.

“We just need to put 40 minutes together and put 40 minutes together consistently,” Brooks said.

This is not the first time he’s said that after a game this season.

In this game against the Lobos, Utah State was either tied or with the lead for 28 minutes and 31 seconds. They were in control until the fourth quarter when New Mexico surged ahead, outscoring them 25-12.

Throughout the year, the Aggies have ridden a roller coaster of momentum. They’ll dominate both ends of the court for five-minute stretches, only to follow with periods of sluggish play.

“We don’t have much room for error,” Brooks said. “When we make mistakes, it’s exposed.”

This year’s Aggies team has a statistical profile that almost defies logic. Their defense is ranked No. 360 out of 362 NCAA Division I teams, but their 7.4 steals per game is tied for second place in the Mountain West.

Their 8.3 made three-pointers per game is the best in the conference and ranked No. 29 in the country, but their .285 three-point percentage is second worst in the MW. 

The Aggies’ loss to New Mexico featured its fair share of statistical oddities. Utah State forced 22 turnovers but managed to score only 10 points off them. They attempted 28 three-pointers but made just six. Despite taking seven more shots than their opponent, they ended up with one fewer made basket.

“We’re doing a lot of good things, but when we have our chances, we have to capitalize and convert,” Brooks said.

The team’s record stands at 2-25 this season. In their 43-year history, the Aggies have won fewer than three games only twice, and they’re on the verge of making it a third. 

And yet, these are the quotes Brooks and his players are giving following the recent stretch of games:

Brooks: “We’re actually playing decent. We can write a hell of a story here coming down the stretch if we continue to play like this.” 

Forward Jamisyn Heaton: “I think we’re very confident this week. I think that we have the mindset, we have the drive and we have the opportunity to come out and show people what we’re really made of.”

Guard Mia Tarver: “We came out prepared. We played harder than we played them the first time. We’ve definitely gotten better as a team.”

Guard Carlie Latta: “We moved the ball really well tonight, so it was easy to get those assists and those open shots. We played really good team basketball.”

This group is young and ambitious and can be at their best when they’re counted out but at their worst when they’re counted on.

On top of that, they’ve displayed their talent through a series of standout individual performances. 

Against New Mexico, Stubbs, a top five scorer in the Mountain West, led the way with 21 points, seven rebounds and three assists.

Heaton contributed 13 points and six rebounds, showcasing her physicality by diving for loose balls and outmuscling defenders for layups.

Latta finished with nine points, four rebounds, two assists, two blocks and three steals, showcasing a defensive presence unlike any other game this season.

The effort Brooks has seen from his top players has been encouraging for him and his staff, but the lack of overall team consistency has prevented them from escaping their dry spell. 

“When you get down, everybody wants to be the hero,” Brooks said. “We don’t need heroes, we need a team. The team working together is how we’re going to pull this out.”

Next week, the Aggies will play their final two home games of the season: an Alumni Day game against San Jose State on Feb. 26 and a Senior Day matchup against Nevada on March 1. 

Utah State won their most recent matchup at San Jose State 70-64, while they lost their previous game against Nevada 78-69.

For a young team eager to see their valiant efforts turn into victories, Brooks understands the importance of patience as he enters the home stretch of his first year with the program.

“It’s all a learning experience,” Brooks said. “It’s all just trying to turn the corner, to erase the old bad habits, fix good habits and continue to move forward and turn this program to where we need to go.”