WOMEN’S BASKETBALL : USC Turns It On Despite 28 Turnovers

USC was outrebounded and committed 28 turnovers, but still had too much for Stephen F. Austin Monday night and cruised to a 78-64 victory in front of 458 at Lyon Center.

The Trojans, ranked ninth in the women’s basketball poll, raised their record to 5-0. It was USC’s first game since Dec. 7.

The Trojans led all the way, running up two 13-point first-half leads; then, after leading at the break, 34-29, they put the game away early in the second half with a 7-0 run.

When point guard Nikki McCrimmon scored on two breakaways 20 seconds apart, USC had a 52-35 lead.

McCrimmon mirrored the Trojans’ game. She was brilliant at times but often sloppy. She had eight assists--and eight turnovers.

“We’ve been off a while, I expected them to be rusty,” USC Coach Cheryl Miller said.

Lisa Leslie led the Trojans with 22 points, eight blocks and 11 rebounds.

Trenia Tillis, who scored 24 points, led Stephen F. Austin (4-3).