It’s Joy, Pain for USC Women

Erica Mashia’s heroics weren’t enough as the USC women fell to Arizona State, 78-74, in overtime Thursday night before 1,181 at Wells Fargo Arena.

Mashia, who finished with 17 points, made a three-point basket at the regulation buzzer. The Sun Devils then pulled away in overtime on the strength of free-throw shooting. In fact, the Sun Devils made 24 of 39 free throws overall compared to the Trojans’ 13 of 19.

USC, 7-7 overall and 2-2 in the Pacific 10, shot 43.8% (28 of 64) from the field to Arizona State’s 44.1% (23 of 55).

All five Sun Devil starters scored in double figures, led by Kitch Kitchen and Theresa Janzten, who had 17 points apiece. Tiffany Elmore added 13 points and Tashara Carter 12 for the Trojans.

Arizona State (11-4, 4-1) took its first lead since the first half with 4:09 left and led, 64-61, with 21 seconds left before Mashia’s basket.

“Fouls and offensive boards were the biggest factors in this game,” USC Coach Chris Gobrecht said. “The offensive boards in the second half really got them back into the game--aside from their advantage at the line.”