Gomez Keeps Promise for UCLA

After practice Friday at Pauley Pavilion, UCLA’s Erica Gomez approached Coach Kathy Olivier.

“These last five games, starting Saturday, I’m taking my game to the next level, you watch,” she said.

Talk about calling your shot.

Gomez, a 5-foot-9 freshman point guard, had a triple-double, UCLA’s first since 1978, to spark the Bruins past USC, 80-64, in front of 3,921 at Pauley Pavilion. It was the Bruins’ first victory over the Trojans in five seasons.

Gomez finished with 18 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists. Nickey Hilbert, a junior guard, matched a career high with 33 points on 12-for-18 shooting.

It was the first victory for UCLA (11-12, 6-8 in the Pacific 10) over USC (11-12, 6-8) since 1991.

Tina Thompson, the Pac-10’s No. 2 scorer was limited to 20 points and seven rebounds. USC freshman guard Erica Mashia had 24 points, but no other Trojan contributed more than four points.