WOMEN’S BASKETBALL : USC’s Leslie Scores 27 in 93-68 Win

Lisa Leslie had 27 points and 16 rebounds to lead USC to a 93-68 victory over Virginia Commonwealth in a nonconference game Sunday at Richmond, Va.

The Trojans began with a 9-0 run through the first five minutes and never trailed. Leslie had eight points in a 10-0 burst later in the half as USC led, 48-25, at halftime.

Leslie’s total was her highest since she scored 30 against Texas in the season opener. She made 13 of 20 field-goal attempts and one of three free throws. Seven of her rebounds were on offense.

Tammy Story added 19 points, making seven of 12 field-goal attempts, and Joni Easterly had 14, sinking six of 13 shots for the Trojans (5-4). Jennifer Melton had 22 points for Virginia Commonwealth (8-4).

The margin over Virginia Commonwealth was USC’s biggest since a 32-point victory over California late in the 1987-88 season. The 93 points were the most the Trojans have scored since 106 in a losing effort against Cal to close the 1988-89 season. In addition, the team’s shooting percentage of 48.7 was its best of the season.

“We are really starting to play well,” said USC Coach Marianne Stanley, whose team defeated Old Dominion Friday. “The skill level has been there all year. It was just a matter of playing hard.”

James Madison 75, UCLA 69--Rehema Stephens’ personal-best 39 points weren’t enough to prevent the Bruins from suffering their first loss at Pauley Pavilion this season.

James Madison (8-2) took advantage of 26% shooting by the Bruins (5-5) to take a 30-25 halftime lead en route to its sixth consecutive victory.

James Madison led by as much as 41-33 with 16:27 to play, but UCLA gained the lead at 53-51 with 10:06 to play. Madison retook the lead for good at 59-58 with 6:16 to play on Jeanine Michealson’s three-pointer.