Aztecs Face Familiar Foe in NCAA Tournament Return, Fueled by Serendipity and Strategy
San Diego State University’s (SDSU) women’s basketball team is set to make its long-awaited return to the NCAA Tournament after a 13-year absence, a journey paved with curious coincidences and strategic preparation. Their first-round matchup against Louisiana State University (LSU) is more than just a game; it’s a reunion, a full-circle moment, and a test of resilience against a formidable opponent.
The threads of fate weave a fascinating narrative around this encounter. The Aztecs and the Tigers have clashed only once before, back in 2012, during the very same stage: the first round of March Madness. That year, LSU emerged victorious, defeating SDSU with a score of 64-56. But the coincidences don’t stop there.
Adding a layer of intrigue to this already compelling storyline is the presence of Stacie Terry-Hutson, the current head coach of SDSU. In 2012, Terry-Hutson wasn’t leading the Aztecs; she was on the opposing bench, serving as an assistant coach for LSU. A year later, she embarked on a new chapter, accepting her first head coaching position at SDSU, where she has remained for the past 12 years, building the program that now stands on the precipice of a significant tournament run.
Understandably, Terry-Hutson acknowledges the emotional complexity of this matchup. "I’m a little torn because I have a lot of love for LSU," she confessed, highlighting her deep connection to the program and the city of Baton Rouge. She expressed admiration for the success Coach Kim Mulkey has achieved with the LSU program, transforming it into a national powerhouse.
Terry-Hutson describes the confluence of events leading to this game as serendipitous, a fortunate accident bringing her back to where her coaching journey began. However, she is quick to emphasize that the spotlight should be on her players and their hard-earned opportunity. "It’s a great story, but it’s really about these young women," she stated, shifting the focus to the athletes who have dedicated themselves to reaching this point.
The Aztecs secured their spot in the NCAA Tournament in dramatic fashion, showcasing their grit and determination in the Mountain West Conference title game. They battled through three overtimes to defeat Wyoming, a testament to their unwavering spirit and refusal to surrender.
Despite their triumph in the conference tournament, SDSU enters the NCAA Tournament with a relative lack of experience. Only one player on the current roster has previously participated in the tournament, making this a new and potentially daunting experience for the majority of the team.
The Aztecs are preparing to face not only a talented LSU team but also a hostile and passionate crowd at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, affectionately known as the "PMAC." The atmosphere is expected to be electric, with LSU fans creating a deafening wall of sound that can be overwhelming for visiting teams.
"We know its deafening," Terry-Hutson acknowledged, recognizing the challenge of communicating and executing game plans in such a loud environment. "When they go on a run, it’s really hard to hear."
To mitigate the impact of the crowd noise, Terry-Hutson and her coaching staff have implemented specific strategies to prepare the team. During practice sessions, they have blasted loud music and artificial crowd noise to simulate the conditions they will face in the PMAC. The goal is to desensitize the players to the noise and improve their ability to focus and communicate amidst the chaos.
The team has even taken the extra step of developing hand signals for in-game communication, a tactic they haven’t utilized throughout the regular season. This non-verbal communication system will allow the players to relay information and adjust their strategies even when verbal communication is difficult or impossible.
"If we can stay connected in that environment, no matter who’s on the floor, we’ll have a good chance," Terry-Hutson stated, emphasizing the importance of maintaining cohesion and communication in the face of adversity.
The Aztecs’ journey to the NCAA Tournament is a story of perseverance, resilience, and the power of belief. They face a challenging opponent in LSU, a team with a rich tradition and a talented roster. However, SDSU is determined to make the most of their opportunity, embracing the challenge and striving to prove that they belong on this stage. They will rely on their strong team chemistry, their strategic preparation, and their unwavering commitment to one another to overcome the obstacles and achieve their goals. While the coincidences surrounding the game add a layer of intrigue, the true focus remains on the players and their opportunity to showcase their skills and represent San Diego State with pride. This is their moment, and they are ready to seize it. The game is more than just a contest, it’s a testament to hard work, dedication, and a dream realized.
