PROVO, Utah (Interstat) — Behind a dominant defensive effort and a game-high 21 points from Delaney Gibb, the BYU Cougars pulled away from the San Jose State Spartans for a 70-51 victory in a non-conference women’s basketball game Saturday at a sparsely attended Marriott Center.

The Cougars improved to 2-0 on the young season, while the Spartans began their campaign 0-1.

San Jose State started strong, matching BYU basket-for-basket in a high-scoring first quarter that ended with the Cougars holding a narrow 22-20 lead. The Spartans’ offense, however, went ice-cold in the second period, managing just five points as BYU’s defense took control. The Cougars outscored San Jose State 13-5 in the quarter to build a 35-25 halftime advantage.

BYU put the game out of reach with a 23-point third quarter, extending its lead to 58-36 and never looking back. The Spartans outscored the Cougars 15-12 in the final period, but the deficit was too large to overcome.

Gibb, a guard from Raymond, Canada, stuffed the stat sheet for BYU, adding six rebounds and six assists to her 21 points in 30 minutes of action. She was complemented by Olivia Hamlin of Santa Clara, Utah, who scored 18 points. The Cougars’ interior presence was anchored by Lara Rohkohl of Hanover, Germany, who nearly recorded a double-double with eight points and 10 rebounds while also blocking four shots. Brinley Cannon added seven points, nine rebounds and three blocks.

San Jose State was led by Maya Anderson of Toronto, who scored 17 points and grabbed eight rebounds. Rylei Waugh contributed 14 points for the Spartans.

While both teams struggled with their shooting, BYU’s significant advantages in rebounding and ball security proved decisive. The Cougars dominated the glass, hauling in 17 offensive rebounds to the Spartans’ six, which led to numerous second-chance opportunities. BYU also committed just 17 turnovers compared to San Jose State’s 22.

The game was played in front of an announced crowd of 1,668 at the 19,000-seat Marriott Center. BYU entered the game as a heavy favorite, with statistical models giving the Cougars a 97.4 percent probability to win.

BYU’s next game is at home against Omaha on Thursday. San Jose State returns to action Monday, hosting Bethesda.