LOS ANGELES (Interstat) — Sabrina Ma scored 23 points Thursday night to guide UC San Diego to a 60-48 women’s basketball victory over Cal State Northridge at Matadome. The Tritons opened with a 14-5 first-quarter lead and never trailed in the Big West Conference game. The Matadors cut the deficit to three points in the second quarter but could not overtake UC San Diego, which pulled away with a 19-point third quarter. Erin Condron added 13 points for the Tritons, who improved to 11-5. Cal State Northridge, led by Rita Nazario’s 14 points and Saray White’s 12, fell to 6-10. UC San Diego forced 26 turnovers, converting them into key scoring runs to secure the win.

LOS ANGELES (Interstat) — A dominant defensive start and a commanding individual performance from Sabrina Ma propelled the UC San Diego women’s basketball team to a 60-48 victory over Cal State Northridge in a Big West Conference matchup on Thursday night at the Matadome. The Tritons, who improved to 11-5 overall, set the tone from the opening tip, holding the host Matadors to a single field goal for nearly the entire first quarter. UC San Diego’s defensive pressure forced Cal State Northridge into a series of early turnovers and contested shots, resulting in a 14-5 lead after the first period. The Matadors, who fell to 6-10, shot just 2 of 14 from the floor in the opening frame. Cal State Northridge found a rhythm in the second quarter, outscoring UC San Diego 18-6 to take a brief 23-20 lead into halftime. The Matadors’ surge was fueled by a 12-0 run, with Saray White and Rita Nazario combining for 13 points in the period. The Tritons’ offense stalled, managing only three field goals in the quarter. The most important part of the game came immediately after halftime, as UC San Diego reclaimed control with a decisive 19-8 third-quarter run. The Tritons tightened their defense once more, and Ma took over offensively. The junior guard from San Francisco scored 11 of her game-high 23 points in the period, including a critical 3-pointer and a driving layup that helped extend the lead back to double digits. Her efforts, combined with stifling team defense that limited the Matadors to 3-of-15 shooting in the quarter, allowed UC San Diego to enter the fourth with a 42-31 advantage. The Tritons maintained their composure in the final quarter, with Ma and center Erin Condron providing key baskets to answer any attempt by Cal State Northridge to mount a comeback. Condron, a 6-foot-4 junior from Woodend, Australia, finished with 13 points, three blocks and a game-high 13 rebounds. Dymonique Maxie added nine points for UC San Diego. For Cal State Northridge, Nazario led the way with 14 points, while White contributed 12 points and four assists. Jite Gbemuotor added 13 points and two blocks. The Matadors were hampered by 26 turnovers and poor shooting from beyond the arc, connecting on just 5 of 24 attempts. Statistically, the game was defined by defensive pressure and offensive struggles. Both teams shot below 35% from the field. UC San Diego held a slight edge in efficiency, posting an offensive rating of 75.4 points per 100 possessions compared to Cal State Northridge’s 65.6. The Tritons also capitalized on their opportunities at the free-throw line, making 12 of 16 attempts, while forcing nine more turnovers than they committed. The win marks UC San Diego’s fourth victory in its last five games as it continues a strong start to conference play. Cal State Northridge has now lost two of its last three. UC San Diego will look to continue its momentum when it hosts Cal State Bakersfield on Saturday. Cal State Northridge travels to face Long Beach State, also on Saturday.

LOS ANGELES (Interstat) — A surging UC San Diego women’s basketball team looks to extend its winning streak when it visits Cal State Northridge in a Big West Conference matchup Thursday night at the Matadome. The Tritons (10-5, 4-0 Big West) have won five straight games, including a 70-54 victory over UC Riverside on Saturday. They are one of two remaining unbeaten teams in conference play. The Matadors (6-9, 1-3), meanwhile, seek to rebound from a 73-58 home loss to Cal State Fullerton, which snapped a brief two-game win streak. UC San Diego’s success has been fueled by efficient play and the standout performances of guard Erin Condron. Over her last five games, Condron is averaging 15.8 points. She scored a team-high 22 points in 36 minutes against UC Riverside. Support comes from Dymonique Maxie, who added 17 points in that win, and Sabrina Ma. Cal State Northridge will rely on the scoring of guard Saray White, who is coming off a 26-point performance in the loss to Cal State Fullerton. White has averaged 16.2 points over her last six contests. Jite Gbemuotor, who had 16 points against the Titans, provides a secondary offensive option. The Tritons have dominated recent meetings, winning the last four matchups against the Matadors. This game begins a pivotal stretch for both teams. UC San Diego will host Cal State Bakersfield on Saturday. Cal State Northridge travels to face Long Beach State on Saturday. Thursday’s game tips off at 7 p.m. PST at the Matadome on the campus of Cal State Northridge.