SAN DIEGO (Interstat) — The San Diego State women’s basketball team used a decisive third-quarter surge to pull away from a persistent Air Force squad and secure a 62-51 victory in a Mountain West Conference matchup Wednesday afternoon at Viejas Arena.

The Aztecs, improving to 9-3 overall, turned a narrow halftime lead into a comfortable advantage by outscoring the Falcons 21-10 in the third period. Air Force, which fell to 7-6, could not recover despite a fourth-quarter push.

San Diego State’s Nala Williams led all scorers with 12 points, adding four rebounds, three assists and a block. Kaelyn Hamilton provided a crucial spark off the bench with 10 points and four rebounds in 19 minutes. The Aztecs’ interior presence was a key factor, outscoring Air Force 30-18 in the paint and outrebounding them 41-33.

Air Force was led by Milahnie Perry’s game-high 18 points. Bhret Clay added nine points and seven rebounds, while Jordyn DeVaughn contributed 10 points and five rebounds. The Falcons’ defense was active, forcing 12 San Diego State turnovers and converting them into 13 points, while also recording 12 steals. However, offensive struggles, particularly from beyond the arc where they shot just 3 of 17, proved too much to overcome.

The game’s most important sequence unfolded early in the third quarter. Holding a 28-22 halftime lead, San Diego State opened the second half with a 13-4 run to seize control. The burst included a three-pointer from Naomi Panganiban, a layup from Williams, and a three-pointer from Bailey Barnhard, pushing the Aztec lead to 41-26. Air Force never got closer than nine points the rest of the way.

The Falcons had kept the contest tight through the first half, trailing just 14-11 after one quarter and 28-22 at the break, largely due to their defensive pressure. San Diego State, however, found its offensive rhythm after halftime, shooting 50% from the floor in the third quarter while holding Air Force to 4-of-15 shooting.

Statistically, the Aztecs were more efficient, posting an offensive rating of 93.6 points per 100 possessions compared to Air Force’s 78.2. While both teams attempted 57 field goals, San Diego State made four more and connected on eight three-pointers to Air Force’s three. The Falcons did distribute the ball better, tallying 12 assists to San Diego State’s three.

With the win, San Diego State heads into conference play on a positive note, having won three of its last four. Air Force sees a two-game winning streak snapped as it begins its Mountain West schedule.

According to Interstat’s ELO system, San Diego State was projected with a 93.20 percent probability to win the contest.

San Diego State travels to face Wyoming on Saturday. Air Force returns home to host UNLV, also on Saturday.