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San Francisco Drops 64-61 Decision to Portland in WCC Women's Action
Jan. 27, 2007
(San Francisco) - USF women's basketball watched a 15-point second half lead evaporate as Portland seized a 64-61 West Coast Conference victory Saturday afternoon at War Memorial Gym. The Dons (7-15, 1-6 WCC) led by as many as 16 in the first half, but the Pilots (9-13, 1-6 WCC) broke through for their first league win of the season, snapped a seven-game losing streak and beat San Francisco for the first time since 2005.
Junior guard Nykia Peace continued with her hot hand, matching a career-high with 18 points on 8-of-16 from the field to go along with seven rebounds. Peace recorded 16 in the Dons 58-53 loss against Gonzaga on Thursday night. Junior guard Dominique Carter turned in a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double, while junior guard Shay Rollins added 12 points for the Dons.
San Francisco streaked out of the gate and looked ready to put Portland away early, building an 18-4 lead with 12:24 in the first half on a 3-pointer by Peace. USF built its biggest lead of the game at 16 points, 29-13 on a three by Rollins with 3:42 left and headed to the locker room with a 32-19 lead at the intermission.
It was all Portland and freshman guard Laiken Dollente in the second half. The Pilots outscored USF 45-29, connected on .615 (16-26) from the field, including 4-of-5 from 3-point range. Dollente, who managed just six points in the first half poured in 24 in the second for a game-high 30, converting on 11-of-18, 3-of-4 from beyond the arc. San Francisco shot .333 (12-36) after recess and went 1-for-10 from deep.
Portland held a 37-36 rebound edge after trailing 21-15 on the boards at halftime and shot .460 (23-50) from the floor for the game and held USF to a .394 (26-66) rate.
Freshman forward Laura Thomas did significant damage with 10 points and a game-high 16 rebounds in 32 minutes. Senior forward Anne Graner added seven points and five rebounds.
USF returns to action Saturday, February 3 when it hosts San Diego. Game time against the Toreros is set for 2:00 PM at War Memorial Gym.
