Wallace Scores 24 to Lead Aztec Women Past Arizona

Toni Wallace scored a career-high 24 points Friday night, to lead the 14th-ranked San Diego State women’s basketball team past Arizona, 74-56, in a Western Collegiate Athletic Assn. game in Peterson Gym.

The Aztecs improved to 13-3 overall and 2-0 in conference play, while the Wildcats fell to 4-8 and 0-1.

“Wallace has put four good games back to back,” SDSU Coach Earnest Riggins said. “She’s gaining confidence now and getting more of the leadership role in her play.”

Thanks to Wallace, San Diego State was able to win its second straight game despite committing 27 turnovers.

“It was good to see us win even though we didn’t protect the ball well,” Riggins said. “We threw it away too many times trying to force the ball inside. To be competitive with (second-ranked Cal State) Long Beach next Wednesday, we’ve got to protect the ball better.”

When the Aztecs did get it inside, however, Wallace was devastating. She made 11 of 12 shots from the field and was instrumental in helping SDSU to a 45-25 advantage on the boards.

“I was pleased with our offensive and defensive boards tonight,” Riggins said. “We need to have more of that to keep being competitive.”

Shelda Arceneaux paced the Aztecs with nine rebounds and Wallace added eight. Arceneaux was also effective from the field, making six of eight shots and finishing with 13 points.

“Wallace and Arceneaux worked well together tonight,” Riggins said. “They’ve been making the right selections of when to pass and when to shoot.”

Forward Pat Rice helped SDSU’s cause, coming off the bench to score 10 points--all in the second half.

“Pat gave us a big lift,” Riggins said. “I think she’s getting the feel of things a little more. That’s going to help us in conference play.”

San Diego State jumped out to a 36-27 halftime lead and increased its margin to 13 points before Arizona rallied midway through the second half. Brenda Smith scored on a turnaround jumper to pull the Wildcats to within five, 43-38, with 12:30 to go.

But the Aztecs regained control behind Arceneaux and Wallace, who both scored from inside and helped push the Aztecs’ margin back up to 10, 55-45.

Alicia Archie led Arizona with 12 points, while Brenda Smith and Kirsten Smith, Arizona’s top scorers coming into the game, where held to 10 and 4 points, respectively.