Kim Whisler scores game-high 15 points
(Moraga, CA) - USF traveled to Moraga searching for an end to their three-game West Coast Conference losing streak in a building no one on the current Lady Dons' roster has ever won in, until now.

USF's stifling defense did not allow Saint Mary's to score a single point in the final 6:04 of the contest as the Lady Dons downed the Gaels 59-53 in WCC play Wednesday in McKeon Pavilion. With the win, USF (11-9, 4-3 WCC) hands Saint Mary's (15-5, 4-3 WCC) their third consecutive loss and win their first game in Moraga since the 1995-96 season and snap a six-game losing streak to the Gaels. The Lady Dons also halted Saint' Mary's undefeated streak at home at nine games.

Junior guard Melanie Turner hit a crucial baseline jumper with 38 seconds left in the game with just one tick left on the shot clock to give USF a 56-53 edge and USF's defense took care of the rest, forcing a turnover and three missed shots on the final possessions. Senior forward Cortney Keegan, the best free throw shooter (.925) in Lady Dons' history hit a pair with 21 second left to seal the victory.

USF trailed by as many as five in the second half, 53-48 at 6:04 remaining, but USF's smothering defense did not allow the Gaels' offense to function. Sophomore guard Lisa Whiteside made a terrific steal on the next possession and scored on slashing lay-up to give the Lady Dons a 54-53 advantage with 2:28 remaining.

Senior center Kim Whisler poured in a game-high 15 points and pulled down seven rebounds, while Turner finished with 10 points and three rebounds. Whiteside finished with seven points, equaled a career-high with seven rebounds and added the key steal as a defensive stopper off the bench in 17 minutes of action. Junior guard Lindsey Huff scored eight points to go with five boards, while Krueger finished with nine points and seven boards.

Rebounds are crucial to USF's success or failure this season and tonight the Lady Dons dominated on the glass, holding a 44-32 advantage, including 12-8 on the offensive side. In both of USF's setbacks on the road last week, the Lady Dons were out rebounded by an average of 13.5 per game.

USF gets an immediate opportunity to prove themselves as a force in the WCC this Saturday. The Lady Dons host the Gaels once again this Saturday at War Memorial Gym. Game time is at 7:00 PM and will be televised live locally on Bay TV.