Key to Trojans’ Success Will Be Limiting Texas Tech’s Swoopes

Coach Marianne Stanley was asked how her USC players could stop Texas Tech’s Sheryl Swoopes in tonight’s semifinal game of the NCAA West Regional tournament.

“I don’t know that she is stoppable,” she said.

Swoopes, a 6-foot senior from Brownfield, Tex., is close to reaching a level of acclaim previously known only to such players as Ann Meyers and Cheryl Miller.

So the Trojans’ assignment is to hold within reason a player who has scored more than 30 points nine times this season and has had 12 two-digit rebound games.

Swoopes is, in the words of her coach, Marsha Sharp, “The most complete package I’ve ever seen in a female basketball player.”

In Lubbock, they’re still talking about Swoopes’ performance at Texas on March 13. Swoopes, playing every minute, made 18 of 31 shots and 17 of 20 free throws for 53 points. She also had 14 rebounds.

In Texas Tech’s 70-64 victory over Washington last Saturday, Swoopes had 30 points and 11 rebounds.

Of course, Texas Tech (27-3) faces some problems tonight, too. For one thing, USC (22-6) is a much bigger team, starting with 6-5 Lisa Leslie and 6-3 Kim Gessig.

USC, runner-up to Stanford in the Pacific 10 Conference race, is coming off a 78-60 victory over Nebraska last Sunday in the second round.

Texas Tech, a winner of 16 in a row, is ranked No. 5 in the nation, USC No. 15.