Dons No Match for Trojans, 72-53

Ebony Hoffman and Tiffany Elmore scored 14 points each as USC handed San Francisco its second most lopsided loss of the season, 72-53, in an opening-round National Invitation Tournament game Wednesday night at San Francisco.

The Trojans (16-13) took an early lead and held on while moving to the second round against the winner of tonight’s game between North Texas and Washington.

San Francisco (18-12), which had won six of seven, was led by Toni Russell with 11 points and Molly Shanley with 10.

Aisha Hollans added 13 points and Jessica Cheeks 10 for the Trojans, who shot 50% from the field.

Iowa State seems to have a big advantage as it tries to make the NCAA Final Four: The Cyclones won’t have to leave home.

As one of the 16 highest-seeded teams, Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Iowa, is the site of first- and second-round games and the Midwest Regional to follow. So the third-seeded Cyclones could advance to the Final Four in San Antonio without having to play a game away from home.

Connecticut Coach Geno Auriemma said it was unfair to have Iowa State playing at home. He said Vanderbilt and Tennessee--the top-seeded teams in the region--were being punished by having to play at Ames.

Iowa State is not the first school to have this opportunity. Connecticut and Tennessee won four NCAA tournament games at home to reach the 1995 Final Four.