March 1, 2003

Box Score

(San Francisco) - USF defeated league-leading Pepperdine for the second time this season, dispatching the Waves a 69-61 in West Coast Conference women's basketball action Saturday at War Memorial Gym. With the victory, the Lady Dons (12-16, 7-7 WCC) complete their first series sweep of the Waves (20-7, 12-2 WCC) since the 1997 campaign and hand Pepperdine their only two league setbacks this season.

With the victory, San Francisco also captures the fourth seed in the 2003 WCC Tournament, and will await the winner of the Portland/Saint Mary's game on Friday, March 7 in San Diego at the Jenny Craig Pavilion. Pepperdine, already captured the top seed, winning their second consecutive regular season WCC title.

Junior forward Carey Sauer was marvelous on her 22nd birthday, pouring in a game-high 22 points, including a 12-of-13 showing at the free throw line. Sophomore guard Toni Russell enjoyed a big night at the charity stripe, converting on 11-of-12, finishing with a career-high 17 points. Sophomore center Leeane Jensen also enjoyed a big day for the Lady Dons, finishing with 17 points and a team-high nine rebounds.

USF sealed the game at the free throw line, converting on .848 (28-33). In addition, San Francisco held a 41-34 rebound advantage.

After building a 12-point lead in the first half, San Francisco withstood a furious Wave rally to take a 32-24 lead into the locker room at intermission. Pepperdine did not go quietly in the second half, but the Lady Dons were able to pull away, leading by as many as 11 after half time.