SAN DIEGO (Interstat) — A dominant first-quarter offensive explosion propelled the San Diego State women’s basketball team to a decisive 87-69 victory over Grand Canyon on Wednesday night at Viejas Arena.

The Aztecs, improving to 11-3 overall, established command immediately, erupting for 37 points in the opening period while holding the visiting Antelopes to just nine. That 28-point cushion proved insurmountable for Grand Canyon, which fell to 3-12 despite a more competitive performance over the final three quarters.

San Diego State’s offensive efficiency in the first quarter was staggering. The Aztecs shot 14 of 22 from the field, including 5 of 8 from three-point range, and committed only two turnovers. The period featured a 22-2 run that transformed a narrow 5-3 lead into a 27-5 advantage, effectively deciding the contest before many of the 1,161 in attendance had settled into their seats.

Kennedy Lee led the Aztecs with 18 points, while Nat Martinez added 17. Naomi Panganiban, a hometown product from San Diego, contributed 15 points. The Aztecs’ ball movement was exemplary, with Nala Williams distributing a game-high six assists to go with 12 points, and Bailey Barnhard adding 14 points and two blocks.

Grand Canyon, which entered the game having won two of its last three, showed resilience after the disastrous start. The Antelopes outscored San Diego State 20-14 in the second quarter and won the third quarter 23-22, but could never cut the deficit below 15 points.

Chloe Mann led the Antelopes with 13 points, while Anisa Jeffries scored 11 and dished out four assists. Julianna LaMendola facilitated the offense with six assists and added eight points.

The most important part of the game was unquestionably the first quarter, where San Diego State’s offensive execution and defensive pressure created an overwhelming early advantage. The Aztecs scored on 15 of their 20 first-quarter possessions that did not end in a team turnover, with six different players contributing to the scoring barrage. A key sequence saw the Aztecs force three consecutive Grand Canyon turnovers, converting them into seven quick points to fuel the game-breaking run.

Grand Canyon’s attempts to press and trap in the second half yielded some turnovers and transition opportunities, but the Aztecs consistently answered with timely baskets to maintain a comfortable margin. San Diego State finished the game shooting 50 percent from the field and assisted on 22 of its 33 made field goals.

The victory extends San Diego State’s winning streak to three games as they prepare for a Mountain West Conference road test at Utah State on Saturday. Grand Canyon returns home to host Fresno State on Saturday, seeking to end a three-game road losing skid.

According to Interstat’s ELO system, San Diego State was projected with a 77.6 percent probability to win. The Aztecs’ performance, particularly in the opening stanza, rendered that forecast academic.