Box Score | Interactive WNIT bracket >>>
SAN DIEGO, Calif. – UC Irvine advanced to the second round of the WNIT after downing San Diego State, 55-45, at Viejas Arena on Friday night.

The Anteaters (25-6, 16-2 Big West) are the first Big West squad to advance in any postseason basketball bracket since 2018 when the UC Davis women made their way to the quarterfinals of the WNIT. The single-season program record for wins keeps growing, far eclipsing the previous best of 21 that was set in 1984-85 and matched in 2021-22.

UCI shot 40.4 percent from the field while holding the Aztecs 28.6 percent shooting. On the season, the Anteaters have held opponents to 53.3 points per game, ninth in the nation, and the defense was on display in the posteason as UCI held its opponent under 50 points for the ninth time of the season.

UC Irvine was led by a pair of double-digit scorers in Dèja Lee and Diabe Konate. Lee finished with 18 points with Konate adding 10 and six rebounds. Nikki Tom posted 10 rebounds to lead the contest.

The Anteaters held the lead for over 24 minutes in the game that saw nine lead changes. UCI held a 28-27 advantage at the half, and San Diego State opened the third period with a three-pointer to take the lead. Amelia Sharpf layed it up and in 30 seconds later to knot the frame and when Tom drained a triple with 7:34 to play in the third, the Anteaters never relinquished.

As a team, the Aztecs were 5-of-24 from distance. Mercedes Staples finished with 16 points and four triples to lead San Diego State in the loss.

The Anteaters will take on San Diego in the second round of the WNIT Tournament, after the Toreros defeated Long Beach State on Thursday. UCI and USD are set to meet up on Monday, March 20, at 6 p.m.