Academy captures first conference win at San Diego State Published Jan. 28, 2005 SAN DIEGO (AFPN) -- Letricia Castillo scored 15 points and led the Air Force Academy women’s basketball team to its first road win in the Mountain West Conference, defeating San Diego State University, 48-44, here Jan. 27. The victory moves the Falcons to 6-11, 1-3 in the conference, while the Aztecs fall to 6-10, 1-3 in the league.The first half was an intense battle, with three ties and three different lead changes. The Falcons started out hot from the field, hitting four of their first six shots, while San Diego State struggled from the field. Castillo was especially impressive for the Falcons, scoring 11 first-half points; however, the Aztecs kept it close with their defensive pressure, forcing 15 Air Force turnovers in the opening period. Meanwhile, the Falcons dominated the boards, outrebounding the Aztecs 23-9 in the first half alone.The second half was much of the same with two ties and four lead changes. After the Aztecs went on top, 30-27, the Falcons went on an 11-0 run to lead by 8 points. With less than a minute remaining, Air Force still held on to a 7-point lead, but committed three turnovers and four fouls in the last 47 seconds, giving San Diego State ample opportunities to keep the Falcons winless in the conference. However, the Falcons were able to hold on, taking the 48-44 win, its first conference victory since 2003.Air Force’s 32 turnovers were a season high, while its 51 rebounds for the game were also a season high. In addition, the Falcons grabbed 21 offensive boards, just one fewer than San Diego State’s rebound total. Air Force’s huge rebounding effort helped it snap a 27-game regular season conference losing streak.While Castillo, who was 6-of-6 from the foul line, was the only Falcon to score in double digits, Jennifer Roesch added 7 points and six rebounds. Leading rebounders were Dawn Higginbotham and Alecia Steele with eight boards a piece.The Falcons compete again Jan. 29 at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas.