Toreras’ Free Throws Sink USF, 84-76

The University of San Diego made eight of eight free throws in the final minute to secure an 84-76 West Coast Conference women’s basketball victory over USF Friday in San Francisco.

Center Chris Enger led the third-place Toreras (13-11, 8-3) with 21 points and seven rebounds. Point guard Angie Straub added 16 points and forward Molly Hunter 13. Hunter (four), Straub (two) and Enger (two) made the free throws down the stretch after USF pulled to within six, 76-70, with 1:02 remaining.

Enger had 15 points to give USD a 48-29 lead at the half, during which USF made 11 turnovers and had only two assists.

“We really played well in that first half,” USD Coach Kathy Marpe said. “We executed real well, plus we shot 60% in the first half and they only shot 34%.”

Across the San Francisco Bay, St. Mary’s defeated Santa Clara, 75-61, to tighten the WCC race. Santa Clara remained in first at 22-3, 10-1. St. Mary’s, which plays USD tonight, improved to 19-5, 9-2.