Hutchinson’s Defense Is the Difference in San Diego State Win Over Fullerton

SAN DIEGO —  Although San Diego State forward Tina Hutchinson, who has been troubled this season by a knee injury, finally returned to her offensive form with 28 points, it was her defense down the stretch that made the difference in the 14th-ranked Aztecs’ 83-73 win over Cal State Fullerton in a Western Collegiate Athletic Assn. game Wednesday night in Peterson Gym.

Hutchinson made two steals that led to easy baskets in the final two minutes which helped SDSU hold off the Titans and improve its record to 19-6 overall and 8-3 in the WCAA. Fullerton fell to 14-9, 5-5 in conference.

“Tina was the difference tonight,” Aztec Coach Earnest Riggins said. “She’s moving better now and she’s making things happen.”

After Fullerton had rallied from an eight-point, second-half deficit to pull to within 72-70, Hutchinson made the plays that made the difference. First she scored on a breakaway layup. Then, the next two times Fullerton had possession, she made steals which led to easy baskets and gave SDSU a 78-70 lead with 1:20 remaining.