Kaelyn Hamilton and Naomi Panganiban had big performances in SDSU Women’s Basketball’s final home game of the season.

SAN DIEGO — The Aztecs took the floor with nothing but momentum and a strong finish to their home contests in mind. Boosted by a couple of double-digit unanswered scoring runs, they accomplished their goal. Despite a second-half lull that saw the comfortable lead San Diego State had enjoyed all game reduced to seven points, the Aztecs looked sharp.

If one stat could encapsulate the momentum of this game, it would be the 27 points off turnovers for SDSU. Second-chance looks, turnovers, and minimizing open looks for opposing offenses are the DNA of this Aztec squad.

This was a game SDSU was favored in, especially with Wyoming missing its leading scorer, Malene Pederson. Most of the Cowgirls’ offense flowed through Jane Rumpf, who splashed 6 threes. Rumpf had a fortuitous start to the game, banking two in from beyond the arc. Luck was not with the Laramie ladies for long, though, as momentum built up for the Aztecs in the second quarter.

Panganiban and Hamilton combined for 38 points, 7 three-pointers, and were responsible for the final momentum boost needed during the team’s third-quarter lull. Hamilton has become an extra threat to the already dangerous Naomi Panganiban and Nala Williams. Coach Stacie Terry-Hutson has taken notice.

“[Hamilton]’s putting in the time, she’s in the gym, she’s staying after practice. She’s doing all the right things, and I was really proud of her effort today,” Terry-Huston said.

Senior Night honorees

Nala Williams and Sofia Kelemeni were the two players honored for senior night, a testament to how young the core of the team is. It was a relatively quiet night from them, but William’s presence is evident in her plus-minus of 20 when she is on the floor. Williams was especially proud to remain unbeaten in conference play at Steve Fisher Court.

“We made it our goal at the beginning of the year… we wanted to defend our home court in conference,” Williams said. “I’m going to miss playing in this gym so much. Even though it’s only been a year, it’s been a great one.”

Nala Williams was a Division 2 star at Cal State Dominguez Hills and has not skipped a beat in Division 1 ball.

One of the sweeter moments of the day came before tipoff, with a video tribute to Sofia Kelemeni, whose parents and friends living in Greece sent their support to Viejas despite not being there in person.

“That was a surprise for me!” Kelemeni said. “Even though they’re not here, I feel supported by my teammates and everybody here.”

Coach Terry-Hutson praised both seniors for their hard work and dedication throughout the season.

Supporting the future of a young but talented roster

Two seniors are strikingly few for a team as cohesive as San Diego State. In the age of NIL, coaches have been forced to adapt with the times to put together competitive rosters. Coach Stacie Terry-Hutson has been vocal about asking for the support of the SDSU students and fans, and had this to say about how to support them with their home games behind them.

“This is the honest answer: Aztec Nation can support us by donating to the SARF (student-athlete recruitment and retention fund),” coach Terry-Hutson said. “I think we’re dangerous if we stay together… we could be dangerous for years to come.”

The Aztecs have one final mission before the Mountain West tournament, with a trip to the Air Force Academy scheduled for March 3. After that, the tournament will take place in Las Vegas from March 8-10, and decide who will be dancing as the pinnacle of college basketball approaches.

Nate Tubbs

Nate Tubbs is a recent graduate of Journalism at San Diego State University. In his time at SDSU, he wrote and photographed several different sports for Aztec Link, the school’s NIL collective. He also co-hosted a weekly podcast featuring Aztec athletes, sharing their stories and goals for the season. Tubbs is passionate about photography, storytelling, and most of all, San Diego sports.