Selland leads Jacks past Denver at Pink Game

Cooper Kanthak, Sports Reporter

The SDSU women’s basketball team was back in action Thursday night in the annual Pink Game, raising awareness for breast cancer. The Jacks defeated Denver with a final score of 79-52. This pushes its win streak to eight games in a row and a 12-1 record in conference play. After the game, the team auctioned off their individual game-worn jerseys and raised $14,200, with all proceeds benefitting the Edith Sanford Breast Center.

SDSU was led by Myah Selland who finished with a season-high 25 points along with 6 rebounds. Tori Nelson chipped in 11 and Paige Meyer had 10.

Points in the paint were a huge factor for SDSU as they outscored Denver 54-18 in that category.

SDSU started fast as they jumped out to an 8-point lead before a timeout from the Pioneers in the opening minutes of the game. The Jacks led 28-8 after one quarter of play as Selland had 14 points and the defense only allowed two field goals for Denver.

“It’s always fun to see your shots go down,” Selland said. “We are a balanced team where I hit shots tonight but a different game someone else will have a good game.”

“It was nice to see Myah great at every aspect offensively,” Coach Aaron Johnston said. “She shot the three well, got to the basket, posted up and even helped bring the ball up.”

SDSU only gained more momentum defensively as they held Denver scoreless for over five minutes in the second quarter and went into halftime ahead 47-21.

The Jacks never looked back after holding Denver scoreless again for over five minutes to start the third quarter and making the Pioneers shoot just 17%. SDSU led 67-30 after three quarters of play.

Denver had some life in them and never quit when they scored 22 points in the fourth quarter behind Uju Ezeudu who finished with 24 points for the Pioneers, but SDSU finished the game holding Denver to just 29% from the field.

Johnston credited his entire team on their effort, “Everyone that went on the floor tonight really competed.”

SDSU is now 16-8 (12-1) while Denver drops to 8-17 (3-11).

The Jacks are back in action on Saturday at 2 p.m. as they host Omaha at Frost Arena.