DeCree’s 30 Points Spark USIU Women’s Big Victory

Toya DeCree, United States International University’s 6-foot 1-inch senior forward, is having a wonderful time.

One look at her smile after Friday night’s 84-80 USIU women’s basketball victory at Grossmont College over the University of San Diego gives it away. “This is really exciting,” said DeCree after scoring a game-high 30 points and grabbing eight rebounds. “USD always gives us trouble but I knew that we would hang in there.”

DeCree’s enthusiasm was refreshing, if not a little surprising. After all, the game was played between two undefeated conference teams with first place at stake in the West Coast Athletic Conference. And the game was close.

“They took us out of our offense in the second half,” DeCree said. “But we’ve been having too much fun to let this kind of game get away.”

But they nearly did. USIU, which led 53-56 at halftime, had improved its lead to 70-56 with 11 minutes remaining and appeared on its way to a rout. The Gulls’ pressure defense was causing turnovers, and DeCree and teammate Sonya Carter (21 points) were scoring easily.

Suddenly, however, things changed. USD, led by senior forward Debbie Theroux, went on a 22-4 run during the next eight minutes.

Freshman guard Julie Evans hit four jumpers during the stretch and Theroux, who finished with 23 points, hit three. When Debbie Sinopoli hit a 15-foot shot, USD led 78-74 with 3:40 left.

“I don’t know what it is, but we just don’t seem to like to hold a lead,” said USIU Coach Cassie Macias. “I guess it’s our youth. I thought we controlled the game, but then we let them back in it.

“On the good side, I think it’s great that we were able to hold out in the end and get this big win.”

Carter hit a jumper, Fiona Murray scored inside and then DeCree hit two free throws to tie, 80-80. After Carter hit two more free throws, DeCree stole a pass from Sinopoli to help the Gulls hold on.

The victory improved USIU’s record to 8-0 in the WCAC and 18-5 overall. USD fell to 7-1 and 13-8.