Echeverria’s 21 Points Give Her USD Career Lead

Candida Echeverria made a pair of free throws late in an 84-62 victory over Arizona State Saturday night to become the University of San Diego’s all-time leading women’s basketball scorer.

Echeverria, a senior guard, scored 21 points and led the Toreras (9-1) to their eighth consecutive victory at the USD Sports Center.

Her 18th and 19th points, free throws with four minutes 18 seconds left, tied and broke the USD record of 1,010 points set by Debbie Theroux in 1983-86. Theroux is now an assistant for Coach Kathy Marpe.

“She deserves it,” Theroux said. “She works hard for every point she gets. We still have a half a year to go, so I’m sure she’s going to add quite a bit to it.”

USD shot 46% from the field to just 27% for Arizona State, which lost for just the second time this season and is now 7-2. It was the first time USD has beaten the Sun Devils in four attempts.

USD went up by as much as 17 points in the first half and led at halftime, 44-32. ASU drew to within 51-41, but seven in a row for USD--four on two 17-foot jumpers by Angie Straub--essentially put it away.

Echeverria, who played only 26 minutes, had 13 points in the first half but did not score in the second until 7:11 remained. A 15-foot shot from the left baseline and a driving layup off an assist from Paula Mascari (16 points) put her within one of the record.

Echeverria was set up for the record when she took a pass on a fast break and was fouled attempting a layup.

In the Toreras’ first game, Echeverria broke the school mark for free throws in a career.