Trojan Women Beat North Carolina, 79-72

Cherie Nelson had 32 points and 12 rebounds to lead USC to a 79-72 victory over North Carolina in the first round of the Orange Bowl Invitational in Miami.

Nelson scored 22 points in the second half as the Trojans, who led by nine at halftime, held off the Tar Heels. Karon Howell added 14 points for USC. North Carolina had a balanced scoring attack, as five players scored in double figures.

The seventh-ranked Trojans play No. 1 Tennessee today in the second round of the tournament.