Dec. 9, 2002

(San Francisco) - USF erased most of another big second half lead, but for the second straight game did not have enough to get over the hump, falling 68-66 against Montana in non-conference women's basketball action Monday night at War Memorial Gym. The Lady Dons (2-5) could not overcome a tremendous size advantage enjoyed on the low block by the Lady Griz (5-1) in the first meeting between the two teams since the 1989-90 campaign.

San Francisco appeared to be in control early, leading by as many as eight, 23-15 on a breakaway steal and lay-up at 11:46 by sophomore guard Toni Russell, who scored a team-high 16 points. Montana roared back, with a 11-3 run tying the game at 26-26 with 6:22 remaining on a 3-pointer by junior guard Brooklyn Lornenzen. The Lady Griz took the lead with 4:15 remaining on a baseline jumper by sophomore center Crystal Baird.

Montana led by as many as 10 points in the first half, before freshman guard Joy Hollingsworth drained a 3-pointer just before intermission to cut the lead the seven, 41-37. The Lady Griz were deadly from the floor in the first half, connecting on .615 (16-26) from the floor, including an impressive .600 (6-10) from 3-point range. Montana cooled off in the second half, but shot at a .482 (27-56) for the game.

After the intermission the Lady Griz maintained a seven to 10 point cushion for most of the second half. A pair of free throws by junior center Mary Jane Krueger cut the lead to four, 62-58, followed by another pair from junior forward Carey Sauer brought the Lady Dons to within two, 62-60 with 4:40 remaining.

A 3-pointer by junior guard Merisa Leatherman gave USF their first lead of the second half, 63-62 with 3:31 left. It would be the last lead for the Lady Dons as the Lady Griz responded down the stretch.

Sophomore center Hollie Tyler scored a team-high 16 points and pulled down 10 rebounds for Montana. Sophomore center Crystal Baird came off the bench for 15 points, while freshman guard Katie Edwards added 10 for the Lady Griz.

Russell led four USF players in double-figure scoring. Sauer scored 13 points and ripped down seven rebounds, while Hollingsworth and Krueger each added 11 points. Krueger pulled down a team-high nine boards, narrowly missing her fifth double-double of the season.

After going 2-4 during their season-long six-game homestand, USF takes to the road for nine of their next 10 contests. The Lady Dons take on the Bulldogs of Fresno State Saturday, Dec. 14. Game time is scheduled for 2:00 PM in the North Gym.

NOTES: Sophomore forward Angela Gibson appeared in her first game since Dec. 21, 2001, scoring a point and pulling down three rebounds in eight minutes.