By: Niko Temores, Contributor

A dominant victory that puts the Aztecs three wins up on the Mountain West against second-place UNLV. 

SAN DIEGO- It was a close game against UNLV on February 18, 2026, until Natalie Martinez takes over in the fourth to take away the game, dropping a deep three to silence UNLV. 

Starters had a great game as all of them had double digits in points. Kennedy Lee (16 points, 10 rebounds) and Nala Williams (13 points, 11 rebounds) both had double-doubles. 

“I’m really just happy for my team, just happy that the hard work and preparation are coming to fruition. Just knowing that there are still so many games left. Credit to my team and the coaches for sure.” Stated by Naomi Panganiban. 

Panganiban had an excellent game, dropping 20 points, leading the team, and controlling most of the game. 

“We keep trying to keep the main thing, the main thing, looking forward to the next opponent. So, um, there’s been chatter about, you know, this or that or, you know, winning the league and all that good stuff. We’re trying to win the game.” Stated by Coach Hutson.

Coach Hutson got her 200th career win and now has the Aztecs ranked about 12th in the NCAA standings. 

A rough start in the beginning with the Aztecs shooting 33% FG and 34% 3-FG in the first quarter. Struggling to score in the paint. 

SDSU defense stayed strong as they have been averaging less than 70 points per game. 

The Aztecs are looking to keep the momentum up as they take on Fresno State next game, hoping to finish the season as a whole strong.