UC San Diego Women Dominate Cal Poly in Big West Conference Matchup

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. (Interstat) — The UC San Diego women’s basketball team delivered a dominant wire-to-wire performance Saturday, overwhelming Cal Poly 85-61 in a Big West Conference matchup at Robert Mott Gymnasium.

The Tritons, now 20-8 overall, seized control from the opening tip and never relented, building a double-digit lead in the first quarter and expanding it throughout the contest. The Mustangs, who fell to 3-25, struggled to generate consistent offense against a relentless UCSD defense.

The most critical phase of the game unfolded in the second quarter, where UC San Diego effectively put the contest out of reach. Leading 18-11 after the first period, the Tritons erupted for 27 points in the second quarter, showcasing a devastating combination of defensive pressure and efficient scoring. They forced a series of Cal Poly turnovers, converting them into easy transition opportunities. The period featured a 13-2 run that stretched the lead to 45-26, with contributions coming from across the lineup. Guard Makayla Rose hit a three-pointer, forward Erin Condron scored inside, and guard Lev Feiman converted free throws and a layup during the surge. By halftime, the Tritons held a commanding 45-26 advantage, having outscored the Mustangs by 12 in the quarter.

The outcome was never in doubt thereafter. UC San Diego maintained its intensity, leading 64-43 after three quarters and cruising through the final period. The Tritons’ defense was the story, forcing 20 Cal Poly turnovers while committing only six themselves. They converted those takeaways into a 27-4 advantage in points off turnovers. UCSD also recorded 11 steals, led by Rose and Condron with three apiece.

Statistically, the Tritons’ balance and efficiency were evident. They shot 43.5% from the field and 40% from three-point range, while holding Cal Poly to 45.6% shooting and just 35.7% from deep. A significant disparity at the free-throw line also aided UCSD, as they attempted 19 free throws, making 15, compared to Cal Poly’s perfect but minimal 4-for-4 effort.

Rose, a guard from Roseville, California, led all scorers with 16 points in 34 minutes, adding three steals. Condron, the 6-foot-4 center from Woodend, Australia, provided a strong interior presence with 15 points, nine rebounds, and three steals. Guard Lev Feiman of Woodland Hills scored 12 points and dished out three assists, while guard Rosa Smith of Kirkland, Washington, also chipped in 12 points. Point guard Dymonique Maxie of Hayward facilitated the offense with a game-high six assists.

For Cal Poly, forward Dulci Vail of Lafayette led the way with 14 points. Guard Nora Perez of Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain, added 12 points, two assists, and a block. Guard Alana Goosby of Allen, Texas, handed out six assists but was plagued by seven of her team’s 20 turnovers.

The game drew an attendance of 424 to Robert Mott Gym. The victory keeps UC San Diego in strong contention near the top of the Big West standings as the regular season nears its conclusion. The Tritons will conclude their home schedule next week, hosting Cal State Fullerton on Thursday and UC Santa Barbara on Saturday. Cal Poly, mired in a difficult season, will look to regroup at home against UC Irvine on Thursday before traveling to face Cal State Bakersfield on Saturday.