LeNoir sparks USC, 70-57

The moment was everything Camille LeNoir had envisioned. The USC point guard came off a screen by Morghan Medlock and made a 15-foot shot eight seconds into her season debut Sunday against Colorado.

Less than two minutes later, she made a three-point basket, and along with Brynn Cameron led the Trojans to a 70-57 nonconference women’s basketball victory at the Galen Center.

“Before the game, I was kind of nervous,” said LeNoir, who scored nine points and had three assists in 20 minutes.

No need. A junior point guard who sat out last season because of a hip injury, LeNoir ignited the Trojans (1-1) to a 21-6 lead. The closest Colorado (1-1) got was 21-14.

“It’s so much fun” having LeNoir back in the lineup, said Cameron, who scored 16 points on six-for-10 shooting, including four three-point baskets. “She always hits the open man, she can shoot, she can pass, she does it all. She makes everyone around her better.”

Cameron, who sat out last season to have a child, is averaging 17 points.

“Camille LeNoir makes a big difference, everyone can see that,” said Coach Mark Trakh. “We just have to keep her healthy all year.”

-- Martin Henderson

MEN

New Mexico 86, Loyola Marymount 58 -- Jon Ziri had 19 points and 10 rebounds, and freshman Orlando Johnson scored 17 points, but the Lions (1-4) committed 24 turnovers and fell in the final of the Basketball Travelers Invitational at Albuquerque.

J.R. Giddens scored 21 points and reserve Darren Prentice had 19 for the Lobos (5-0).