SAN FRANCISCO (Interstat) — In a game defined by a dominant second-quarter surge and a standout individual performance, the San Francisco Dons defeated the UC San Diego Tritons 80-69 in a non-conference women’s basketball game Sunday at War Memorial Gymnasium.

A crowd of 569 watched as the Dons improved their season record to 2-2, while the Tritons fell to 1-3.

The contest was tightly contested through the opening quarter, with San Francisco holding a slim 18-13 lead. The game’s trajectory shifted dramatically in the second period, however, as the Dons unleashed a 26-point offensive explosion. Fueled by efficient ball movement and capitalizing on UC San Diego miscues, San Francisco built a commanding 44-34 halftime advantage, outscoring the Tritons by 15 points in the paint during the quarter alone.

UC San Diego, to its credit, did not capitulate. The Tritons battled throughout the second half, chipping away at the deficit and winning the fourth quarter 18-13. A late push, highlighted by a Sabrina Ma 3-pointer and a Makayla Rose layup, brought UC San Diego to within a single possession in the final minutes. But the Dons, led by the unflappable play of Candy Edokpaigbe, closed the game on a 7-0 run from the free-throw line to secure the victory.

Edokpaigbe, a guard from Naples, Italy, was the engine for San Francisco, delivering a monumental performance. She played 37 minutes and recorded a game-high 24 points and 10 rebounds, securing a double-double while also adding an assist and a steal. Her ability to drive to the basket and draw fouls was crucial, especially in the game’s closing moments.

She was complemented by a strong frontcourt effort from Noelia Mourino Freiria of O Porrino, Spain, who tallied 16 points and eight rebounds. Aina Cargol of Olot, Spain, orchestrated the offense effectively, dishing out six assists to go with 11 points and six rebounds. The Dons’ depth was also on display, with Mara Neira of Baiona, Spain, contributing 10 points and six rebounds off the bench, and Meghan McIntyre of Garden Grove, California, filling the stat sheet with nine points and eight rebounds.

For UC San Diego, the effort was spearheaded by its own international standout, Erin Condron of Woodend, Australia. The 6-foot-4 forward logged 38 minutes and led the Tritons with 18 points, six rebounds and three assists. Rosa Smith of Kirkland, Washington, provided a scoring punch with 13 points and five rebounds, while Michaela Fairwell came off the bench to add 12 points and five rebounds. Ma, a hometown product from San Francisco, played all 40 minutes and finished with 10 points, four rebounds and two assists.

Statistically, the game was a tale of efficiency and possession. San Francisco shot 47 percent from the floor, converting 33 of 70 field goal attempts. While their 3-point shooting was anemic at 5 for 26, they more than compensated by dominating the interior, outrebounding the Tritons 46-31 and grabbing 13 offensive boards that led to 15 second-chance points.

UC San Diego struggled with its shooting, finishing at 38 percent on 25-of-66 shooting. They were slightly more effective from beyond the arc, making 6 of 22 attempts, and were efficient from the free-throw line, hitting 13 of 17. The Tritons’ defense was active, forcing 22 San Francisco turnovers and recording 11 steals, but they were ultimately undone by their own 17 turnovers and the Dons’ significant rebounding advantage.

The game was a part of a challenging early-season slate for both teams. UC San Diego entered the contest following a home loss to Sacramento State, while San Francisco was looking to rebound from a defeat against Seton Hall two days prior.

Looking ahead, UC San Diego returns home to face Air Force on Saturday, Nov. 22. San Francisco hits the road for its next contest, traveling to face Long Beach State on Thursday, Nov. 20.