University Southern California Trojans
Women of Troy Travel To Oregon State, Oregon
February 22, 2000 | Women's Basketball
Feb. 22, 2000
The Facts -- USC (11-11, 6-6) moved up a spot in the Pac-10 standings this week after posting its first three game win-streak of the season. Last week, the Women of Troy upset No. 15 Arizona, 80-68, on Thursday, and defeated Arizona State, 76-70, on Saturday. The Trojans attempt to improve their conference standing on the road against Oregon and Oregon State this week. USC will face Oregon State on Thursday (Feb. 24), and the conference-leading Ducks on Saturday (Feb. 26). Both games are scheduled for a 7 p.m. start.
Catch The Trojans On the Web -- You can catch Thursday's USC-Oregon State game live via the internet by logging on to http://www.broadcast.com/sports/ncaa/OregonState/WomensBasketball/. Saturday's USC-Oregon game can be heard at http://www.broadcast.com/sports/ncaa/Oregon/WomensBasketball/.
Arizona/ASU Game Notes *** The Women of Troy are currently riding their first Pac-10 three-game win streak since the 1996-97 season *** The 80-68 win over No. 15 Arizona broke a six-game losing streak against the Wildcats *** It marked the first consecutive win over a ranked opponent in the 90s *** This was the first time this season that five players scored in double figures, then USC repeated the performance against ASU *** USC accounted for a season-low 15 turnovers and a season-high 90.5 free throw percentage against the Sun Devils.
Tiffany Elmore Named Pac-10 Player of the Week -- Tiffany Elmore has been named the Pacific-10 Conference Women's Basketball Player of the Week for Feb. 14-20, after leading USC to an 80-68 upset victory over No. 15 Arizona, and a 76-70 win over Arizona State last week. For the week, Elmore averaged 13.5 points and 4.5 rebounds, shooing 81.8 percent from the line (9-for-11). Against ASU, Elmore scored a team-high 16 points, grabbed four boards and had two assists. In the upset over the Wildcats, she contributed 11 points, five rebounds, two assists and three steals. Her defensive efforts helped hold Arizona, the league's highest scoring team, to just 68 points, more than 12 points below its season average. The Player of the Week honor is the first of Elmore's career, and the 26th all-time selection for USC. It is USC's first Player of the Week selection since Jan. 20, 1997.
Game #22 - vs. Arizona State (Feb. 19) -- Tiffany Elmore added 16 points to lead five USC players in double figures, as the Women of Troy won their third-straight by defeating Arizona State, 76-70, at the USC Lyon Center. Arizona State led by as many as 10 points (18-8) early in the first half, and maintained in control through the first 15 minutes. With 4:22 remaining, Erica Mashia hit a key three-pointer giving the Trojans their first lead of the game as they eventually entered halftime with a 34-32 advantage. The two teams alternated with the lead for the first nine minutes of the second period, until a layup by Tiffany Washington at 10:29 embarked a USC 13-2 run which included three ASU turnovers. The Sun Devils were twice able to come within two points late in the game, but the Trojans' consistency at the line sealed the victory. USC was nearly perfect from the line (19-of-21) and posted only 15 turnovers in the game - both season-best performances.
Quotes From Coach Gobrecht -- "I thought this would be the toughest game we would have to play this year because Arizona State plays the same style of defense, and I was right. We played tough and I was pleased because we are not a great rebounding team so we have to rely a lot on our ability to get the turnovers and play good defense." (following the USC-Arizona State game, Feb. 19)
Game #21 - vs. No. 15 Arizona (Feb. 17) -- Tashara Carter had 14 points to lead five players in double figures in an 80-68 upset over #15 Arizona on Thursday (Feb. 17). Tiffany Elmore scored 11 points and Danielle Golay, Tiffany Washington and Carmen Krause added 10 points each for the Trojans who used a 19-2 run late in the first half to take a 35-20 halftime advantage. Leading by as many as 16 points in the second half, USC did allow Arizona to get within 69-64 on a jumper by Angela Lackey with 4:38 remaining. The Trojans made nine free throws over the final four minutes to clinch the win. The Wildcats led only once, 9-6, less than four minutes into the game.
Quotes From Coach Gobrecht -- "I think we're starting to find ourselves. We're starting to understand ourselves as a team. Tonight, we were aggressive and we were smart." (following the USC-Arizona game, Feb. 17)
The Right Wins at the Right Time -- With a 6-6 conference record, the one the thing the Women of Troy have been able to do is earn the right win at the right time. USC has defeated three of the four conference leaders, Oregon, UCLA and Arizona in the second half of the season. They have taken advantage of each team at home. The only top team it has yet to beat is Stanford, but the Cardinal must come to the Los Angeles on March 5. A late win could give the Trojans postseason consideration.
Putting An End To The Streaks -- The Women of Troy have seen various streaks come to an end this season. The team began 1999-2000 with a season-opening win over Portland (Nov. 23), breaking a six-game losing streak which ended the 1998-99 season. Then, with a 71-61 win over Washington State (Jan. 7), the Trojans grabbed their first Pac-10 victory in the same time span. USC's biggest victories came against Oregon (Jan. 27), #20 UCLA (Feb. 12) and #15 Arizona (Feb. 17). Troy had not beaten either Oregon or UCLA in five years, and Arizona in six years - and neither since the arrival of head coach Chris Gobrecht. The last time the Women of Troy beat a ranked opponent was on March 2, 1996, in a 67-66 upset over No. 22 Oregon State. The Trojans have not beat two ranked opponents consecutively in the 90s (records are inconclusive prior to 1990).
Home Is Where The Wins Are -- So far, the Women of Troy have faced a tough road schedule this season. Five of its last 8 opponents on the road have been ranked. Through it all, the Trojans have found comfort at home. USC currently owns a 9-2 record on its own territory, including a 4-0 mark at the Lyon Center and 5-2 record at the Sports Arena.
Injury Update -- Forward Tiffany Washington suffered a sprain to her left knee mcl during the USC-Cal game (Feb. 3). She did not play against Stanford (Feb. 5), but was back in the starting lineup against UCLA (Feb. 12), playing 18 minutes. Junior guard Ayeshia Smith broke her middle finger on her left hand during the Washington State game (Jan. 7). She is out indefinitely for the remainder of the season. To note... Assistant coach Erika Lang-Montgomery tore her Achilles on Jan. 11, underwent surgery on Jan. 12.
USC News & Notes *** Tiffany Elmore was USC's first Pac-10 Player of the Week since 1997 *** A 80-68 win over No. 15 Arizona (Feb. 17) broke a six-game losing streak against the Wildcats and marked the first consecutive win over a ranked opponent in the 90s *** With the upset victory on Feb. 12 against UCLA, the Trojans defeated their first ranked opponent of the season and broke a five-game losing streak against the No. 20 Bruins *** The Trojans are ranked 117th in the most recent RPI ratings (Feb. 7) *** The Bears are the first Pac-10 team this season to have defeated Troy's men and women *** USC's win over Oregon (Jan. 27) broke a five-game losing streak against the Ducks, and was the first win over Oregon for Coach Gobrecht at USC *** Arizona was the Trojans' sixth ranked opponent of the season, and fifth in the last eight outings *** The Women of Troy embarked on their first 2-0 Pac-10 start since the 1996-97 season, before falling to UCLA on Sunday (Jan. 16) *** USC's victory over Washington State (Jan. 7) marked the end of a six-game Pac-10 losing streak, which closed the 1998-99 season (Troy's last Pac-10 victory was against Cal on Feb. 12, 1999) *** With three-straight road losses to UCSB, Notre Dame and Rutgers, the Trojans' endured their first losing streak of the 1999-2000 season *** USC's victory over Baylor marked the Trojans' first win over a Big 12 opponent since March 21, 1993 (vs. Nebraska, 78-60, at NCAA First Round) *** The Women of Troy have posted a 22-2 all-time record in home openers with the win against Creighton (Nov. 26) *** With a season-opening win over Portland (Nov. 23), the Trojans broke a six-game losing streak dating back to last season *** USC faced three defending conference champions this season prior to conference play, including Texas Tech (Big XII), UCSB (Big West) and Rutgers (Big East) *** Troy's 1999 recruiting class was ranked among the nation's top by several publications: No. 8 Athlon Sports College Basketball Preview, No. 9 Women's Basketball Journal, No. 14 Blue Star Basketball Report *** USC was picked to finished seventh in the Pac-10 preseason coaches poll.
The Last Time vs. Oregon State -- USC fell to Oregon State, 57-53, on Jan. 29 at home. The team suffered from poor shooting (12-41, 29.3%) which forced them to overcome an 18-point deficit early in the game. The Beavers opened the game on a 26-8 run, holding USC to two field goals in the first 13 minutes. Down by 12 (35-23) at the break, the Trojans began cutting away at the lead in the second half, twice coming within two points. Tiffany Washington led with 11 points, and as a team USC only managed to outdo the Beavers by forcing more turnovers, 23 to 18, and collecting more steals, 10 to 7.
Notes On Oregon State -- Currently in fifth place in the Pac-10, Oregon State (8-5, 12-13) has won its last 8-of-11 contests. Their 8-5 conference mark is the Beavers best since 1995-96 as the team comes off their first conference sweep since the 1994-95 season. Last week, OSU defeated Washington, 57-50, and Washington State, 65-62. Center Sissel Pierce led the squad against Washington with 16 points. She currently averages 12.1 points and a team-leading 6.5 rebounds and 3.1 blocks per game. Her block average ranks second nationally. Felecia Ragland leads the team in scoring with 12.9 points per game after adding 24 points against Washington State. The Beavers lead the conference in scoring defense (60.0), field goal percentage defense (38.7), rebounding margin (+5.8) and blocked shots (3.41).
USC-Oregon State Series Record -- Saturday's game will mark the 32nd meeting between the Women of Troy and Beavers. USC owns a 22-9 advantage in the series which first began in 1977, and an 8-6 record against OSU on the road. This season, USC dropped the first game of the series at home on Jan. 29, 57-53.
The Last Time vs. Oregon -- Tiffany Elmore (13 pts.) grabbed an offensive rebound and scored at the buzzer to give the Trojans a 74-73 upset victory over Oregon on Jan. 27 at home. Elmore rebounded a missed 13-footer by Erica Mashia. USC prevailed despite surrendering a 10-point lead with 7:26 remaining in the game. The Ducks, taking advantage of fouls and turnovers, took their first lead, 66-65, with 2:58 left. After the two teams exchanged leads a couple times, Oregon regained the advantage at 74-73 on a free throw by Shaquala Williams with 12 seconds left before leading to Elmore's heroics. Tashara Carter led the team with 20 points.
Notes On Oregon -- Oregon (10-3, 19-6) is currently in sole possession of first place in the Pac-10, leading Stanford and UCLA by a game. The Ducks lead the conference with a 9-1 record at home and an average attendance of 5,166 per game - a mark which ranks 13th nationally. Last week, Oregon defeated Washington State, 73-68, and Washington, 70-69. Guard Shaquala Williams led with 18 points and six rebounds against the Cougars, and 20 points against the Huskies. She leads the team and ranks second in the Pac-10 in scoring (17.2 ppg) and assists (4.28 apg). Center Jenny Mowe ranks second in the conference and 15th nationally in blocked shots (2.28 bpg). As a team, Oregon leads the Pac-10 in rebounding defense (33.5).
USC-Oregon Series Record -- Saturday's game will be the 33rd meeting between USC and Oregon. The Women of Troy improved to 22-10 in the all-time series after breaking a five-game losing streak to the Ducks with a 74-73 victory on Jan. 27 at home. On the road, USC owns a 9-6 record in Eugene, and has won 1-of-5 meetings since 1994-95.
Women of Troy Live On the Web -- Fans can now listen to all Women of Troy home basketball games, live on the web throughout the Pac-10 season. Just log on to http://www.usctrojans.com and catch all the action via the internet with announcers Bryan Goettel and John Franchi. All games will also be archived on the site.
Carter Enjoying Pac-10 Success -- Since the start of the Pac-10 season, junior Tashara Carter has tallied double-figures in 8-of-11 games, including a season-best 21 points against Washington (Jan. 9). In conference games, she ranks 15th in scoring (11.9 ppg), seventh in steals (2.0 spg) and sixth in field goal percentage (49.6). In overall games, she recently joined the conference leaders ranking tenth in field goal percentage (47.4).
Women Of Troy Ranking History -- The 400th AP poll was issued Monday, Feb. 7. In its history, there have been 130 teams that have been ranked a total of 8,984 times. Among those teams, USC ranks 16th, making 195 appearances in the program's 24-year history. The Trojans fall right behind Stanford who has been ranked a total of 197 times. UCLA is the next Pac-10 team to make the list, ranking 30th.
Shot Stopper -- Center Denise Woods, the team's only true and active center, blocked a personal-best five shots from reaching the net against Arizona State (Jan. 20). Against Oregon, she added three more to her list of accomplishments. As a team, the Trojans' stopped 12 shots against the Sun Devils - a season-high among Pac-10 schools. This season, Woods has improved her average by nearly a block a game (.6+) since her days at San Francisco. She leads the team with a 1.8 bpg average, which ranks third in the Pac-10.
USC Against Ranked Opponents -- In the last two games, USC's luck against ranked opponents has changed. On Feb. 12, USC earned its first win over a ranked opponent by upsetting No. 20 UCLA, 73-69. The Trojans followed that performance with a 80-68 victory over No. 15 Arizona on Feb. 17. Prior to these wins, USC was 0-6 against ranked opponents, including an overtime loss to No. 7 Texas Tech on Nov. 29.
Prep Connection -- 1999-2000 is the third and final season two prep teammates will share the Trojan spotlight. Senior forward Tiffany Washington and junior forward Tashara Carter both hail from Bishop Montgomery High in Torrance, Calif. As preps, each was named Del Rey League MVP and Division III Player of the Year. In 1995-96, the duo helped lead Bishop Montgomery to the Southern Section Division III championships and state finals. At USC, Washington and Carter have started in nearly every game for the past two seasons. They return this season as the team's top two rebounders with a 7.0 and 6.0 average in 1998-99.
Mashia Is Back -- After missing the last three seasons due to injuries, senior guard Erica Mashia has finally returned to the USC starting lineup As a freshman, Mashia made a noticeable impact on the Pac-10 and became the sixth player in program history to be named to the Pac-10 All-Freshman team. Only 13 games into her career at USC, she set a conference and program record for consecutive free throws made (33). With an 84.4 free throw percentage that season, she remains as USC's all-time single-season leader. Her accomplishments as a freshman were unfortunately followed by two consecutive hip injuries and a knee injury that forced her to sit out the past three seasons.
All-Pac-10 Returner -- Sophomore guard Tiffany Elmore returns this season after earning All-Pac-10 honorable mention honors as a freshman. Starting in 25 of 27 games in 1998-99, Elmore was forced to exhibit tremendous leadership and skill in only her first year. She finished the season as the team's second-highest scorer (11.9 ppg) after twice scoring a career-high 24 points against Drake (11/25/98) and California (2/12/99). Adrain Williams, who graduate in May 1999, was the team's other 1998-99 all-conference selection.
Transfer Talent -- Two players, forced to sit and watch the team struggle last season, are eligible and eager to see playing time in 1999-2000. Denise Woods and Danielle Golay redshirted the 1998-99 season after each transferred from Division I programs. Woods, a 6-foot-2 center, played her first two collegiate seasons at the University of San Francisco. As a sophomore, she earned All-West Coast Conference honors and averaged 14.0 points and 8.9 rebounds per game. Golay, a 6-foot-2 forward, transferred after having played three seasons at Seton Hall. There, she earned All-Big East honors as a junior after leading the team in scoring (17.2 ppg), field goal percentage (.521) and rebounds (8.2 rpg).
Vote of Confidence -- During the Lifetime television broadcast of the Four in the Fall Classic in Lubbock, Texas, the analysts were asked which teams they predict will reach the 2000 Final Four. USC Alum Cynthia Cooper of the WNBA's Houston Comets had this to say... "La Tech, UConn, Tennessee, USC... I like a Cinderella favorite. My old Trojans, USC - they're going to upset everyone."
2000 Recruits -- Ebony Hoffman of Narbonne High in Harbor City, Calif., the top-rated post player in the country, has signed a letter-of-intent with the USC women's basketball team, head coach Chris Gobrecht announced Tuesday (Nov. 16). Signing with Hoffman are guards Aisha Hollans of Berkeley (Calif.) High, and Ryane Alexander of Copperas Cove (Tex.) High. Hoffman, a 6-foot-2 center, averaged 15.7 rebounds and 3.9 blocks per game as a junior last season, earning All-America, All-State and All-L.A. City accolades. Also a highly-touted player, Hollans was recently ranked No. 21 among the nation's recruits by the All-Star Girls Report. Alexander, a 5-foot-7 point guard, averaged 8.2 points, 3.8 steals and 3.8 assists per game last season.
Head Coach Chris Gobrecht -- Chris Gobrecht enters her third season at the helm of the USC women's basketball program. Replacing former head coach Fred Williams on May 8, 1997, Gobrecht returned to her alma mater to help guide the Women of Troy back to national prominence. Throughout 21 years of head coaching experience, Gobrecht has amassed a 362-249 (.592) career record with her programs at Cal State Fullerton (six years), Washington (11), Florida State (one) and USC. During her 11-year tenure at Washington, she was twice named Pac-10 Coach of the Year (1987 and 1988). Gobrecht remains the second-winningest coach in conference history with a 149-80 (.651) mark, and she ranks 37th among active Division I coaches with 362 career victories.
USC Announces On-Campus Events Center -- On October 21, USC announced plans to begin construction of a multipurpose on-campus events center that will be home to USC basketball and volleyball. Construction is to begin next summer and it is expected that the 12,000-seat arena will be officially completed by January 2002. Current plans locate the facility on the southeast corner of Jefferson Boulevard and Figueroa Street, adjacent to the University Park Campus.
Player Profiles _______________________________________
#3 Tiffany Elmore
Guard, 5-10, Sophomore, Sacramento, CA (Florin)
Last season's starting guard, Elmore was a All-Pac-10 honorable mention selection in 1998-99. She finished as high as 13th among conference scoring leaders, and her 11.9 points per game average was second on the team. This season... Has played in 21 games and made 20 starts... With 11 points (4-of-14), she was Troy's only player to score in double figures, posting a team-leading eight rebounds, three steals and three blocks, but was responsible for seven of 22 USC turnovers against Long Beach State (Dec. 8)... Added a season-high 14 points and career-best 5 assists against Baylor (Dec. 19)... Posted 12 points and six rebounds against UCSB (Dec. 21)... Fouled out against the Gauchos... Suffered a sprained right ankle on Jan. 5 during practice, and did not play against Washington State (Jan. 7)... Had a season-best 16 points (7-of-11) against Washington (Jan. 9)... Allowed eight turnovers in 32 minutes against UCLA (Jan. 16)... Added 13 points against Arizona State (Jan. 20), tied a career-high with three blocks and three steals... Posted 10 points against Arizona (Jan. 22)... Hit the game-winning shot against Oregon (Jan. 27) and had 13 total points... Collected three steals, but fouled out against Oregon State (Jan. 29)... Added 13 points and two assists against Cal (Feb. 3)... Scored a season-high 20 points against UCLA (Feb. 12) and put the Trojans ahead for good on a jumper with 51 seconds left... Added 10 points and a team-leading six rebounds against Arizona (Feb. 17)... Scored a team-high 16 points and grabbed four boards and two assists against Arizona State (Feb. 19)... Score five points in the final minute to secure USC's victory over the Sun Devils... Named Pac-10 Player of the Week (Feb. 21) after averaging 13.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.5 steals and an 81.8 shooting percent from the line for the week, and leading USC to its third-straight win - this was the first Player of the Week honor of her career.
#5 Camille Norwood
Guard, 5-8, Sophomore, Los Angeles, CA (Washington)
Known for her ball-handling skills and offensive touch, Norwood will compete for starting time at the point position this season. This season... Has played in 17 games... Hit 5-of-6 at the line against Baylor (Dec. 19)... Sat-out against Washington State (Jan. 7) due to a one-game suspension for an infraction of team rules... Added two assists against Oregon (Jan. 27)... Surpassed her previous high with three assists against Oregon State (Jan. 29)... Played a season-high 12 minutes against UCLA (Feb. 12) with eight points and five rebounds... Had her best performance this season against Arizona (Feb. 17), hitting 2-of-2 from three-point range (8 pts.) - a career-high - and adding three rebounds... Surpassed her season-highs against Arizona State (Feb. 19), collecting 10 points and hitting 1-of-1 at the line and behind the arch.
#11 Erica Mashia
Guard, 5-7, Senior, Portland, OR. (Jefferson)
Mashia makes a final comeback attempt this season after being forced to sit out the past three years due to knee and hip injuries. An All- Pac-10 Freshman selection in her first year with the Trojans, Mashia looks to reclaim her reputation. This season... Has played in 22 games and made 16 starts... Made her official return to the court against Portland (Nov. 23), posting 10 points and shooting 4-of-7 from the field, including 1-of-3 from three-point range... Sparked the team with a familiar performance against SDSU (Dec. 4) with five three-pointers which tied a career-best and USC's fourth-best all-time game record... Went 1-of-7 (3 points) from the field against LBSU (Dec. 8)... Made her first start since 1995-96 against Baylor (Dec. 19), but struggled at the point with 7 turnovers... Set a season-high with five assists against UCSB (Dec. 21)... Hit 2-of-5 from behind the arch (4-of-10 overall, 10 points) and forced six turnovers against Notre Dame (Dec. 27)... Tied a season-best with 15 points against Rutgers (Dec. 30) with a 50 percent shooting effort, including 3-of-7 three-pointers... Had her best performance this season against Washington State (Jan. 7), hitting 6-of-9 three pointers and added four rebounds and 20 points... Her six three-pointers tied a USC all-time record, set a personal career-best and marked a Pac-10 season-best... Was held to 3-of-12 (7 pts.) shooting, but grabbed a season-best five rebounds against UCLA (Jan. 16)... Hit 3-of-5 three-pointers against Arizona State (Jan. 20), including one at :08 to send the game into overtime... Hit 4-of-4 at the line and had 17 total points in Tempe... Surpassed season-high with six assists against Cal (Feb. 3)... Posted 14 points in the second half, including 3-of-7 from behind the arch, against Stanford (Feb. 5)... Also grabbed six rebounds against the Cardinal tieing a career-high... Added nine points and four steals against Arizona (Feb. 17)... Scored 14 points, including 4-of-4 at the line, against Arizona State (Feb. 19).
#12 Ayeshia Smith
Guard, 5-5, Junior, Philadelphia, PA. (Cowley County CC)
A transfer from Cowley Community College, Smith possesses a knack for ball handling and passing, and the ability to score from the perimeter. This season... Has played in 11 games and made 4 starts... Led the team with 11 points (3-10) and seven assists against Portland (Nov. 23)... Accounted for 13 points (6-13) against Creighton (Nov. 26)... Had nine assists against San Diego State (Dec. 4)... Added three assists against the 49ers (Dec. 8)... Hit 2-of-2 from three-point range for six points against Rutgers (Dec. 30)... She is out indefinitely for the remainder of the season after breaking her middle finger on her left hand against Washington State (Jan. 9).
#13 Denise Woods
Center, 6-2, Junior, Richmond, CA (Univ. of San Francisco)
Woods joins the squad this season as a redshirt junior after transferring from San Francisco. An 1998 All-West Coast Conference selection, she brings needed size and skill to the post. This season... Has played in 22 games and made 8 starts... Made game-winning layup in USC's narrow defeat of Creighton (Nov. 26)... Added a season-high 19 points (8-11) against Texas Tech (Nov. 29), and led the team with eight rebounds and three blocks... Shot a team-high 40.0 percent against LBSU (Dec. 8), and added two blocks and seven boards... Posted a season-best 12 boards, and accounted for three blocks against Sac State (Dec. 11)... Blocked a personal-best four shots against Washington State (Jan. 7) and added 13 points... Went 4-of-4 from the field (8 points) and made three stops against Washington (Jan. 9)... Provided a spark of the bench, posting 14 points (6-of-10) all in the second half against UCLA (Jan. 16)... Led the squad with seven rebounds and a season-high five blocks against Arizona State (Jan. 20)... Added another three blocks against Oregon (Jan. 27), while hitting 2-of-2 from three point range for 11 total points... Hit 6-of-6 at the line against Oregon State (Jan. 29)... Started against Stanford (Feb. 5) and added six rebounds... Was flawless from the field against UCLA (Feb. 12), hitting 4-of-4 field goals, 1-of-1 from 3-point range and 2-of-2 at the line.
#14 Carmen Krause
Forward, 6-1, Sophomore, Prescott, AZ (Prescott)
Honored as the team's "Most Improved Player" last season, Krause returns to the forward position to add depth and valuable experience gained in 1998-99. This season... Has played in 21 games... Did not travel to Portland (Nov. 23) due to illness... Had a career-best performance against Baylor (Dec. 19) with 11 points (4-of-5) and added 4 rebounds... Went 5-of-6 at the line, grabbed seven rebounds and forced two turnovers against UCSB (Dec. 21) - all season highs... Hit her first career three-pointer en route to a six point, three assist performance against Arizona State (Jan. 20)... Posted a season-best four assists against Stanford (Feb. 5)... Played a key role in the win over Arizona (Feb. 17), going 8-of-12 at the line for 10 points, and grabbing five boards.
#15 Lauren Smith-Hams
Guard, 5-7, Freshman, Los Altos, CA (Pinewood)
The daughter of one of the cofounders of the American Basketball League, Smith-Hams was an all-league first team four-year selection as a prep. This season... Has played in 21 games and made 3 starts... Made first start against Creighton on November 26... In only her second start of the season against Sac State (Dec. 11), she hit 3-of-6 from three-point range to add to 11 total points... Went 2-of-2 from the field and 1-of-1 from behind the arch against Arizona State (Jan. 20)... Made three steals against the Sun Devils (Feb. 19).
#20 Tennille Grant
Guard/Forward, 5-10, Freshman, Kansas City, MO (Northeast)
A Nike Midwest All-American, Grant possesses quickness and scoring ability at the small forward position. This season... Has played in 18 games... Was 2-of-2 from the field against San Diego State (Dec. 4)... Hit 2-of-3 from the field, 2-of-2 at the line (6 points) and added five rebounds against Sac State (Dec. 11)... Played 17 minutes against Rutgers (Dec. 30)... Hit 2-of-2 from the field against Arizona State (Jan. 20).
#21 Erin Young
Guard, 5-11, Freshman, Dallas, TX (Highland Park)
A 1999-2000 walk-on, Young has proven to be a talented and athletic guard in her first season at Troy. This season... Has played in 16 games and made 1 start... Tallied her first field goal of the season with a three-point shot against Sac State (Dec. 11)... Played seven minutes and added one three-pointer and one board against Notre Dame (Dec. 27)... Topped her previous performances with nine points, including 2-3 from three-point range in 21 minutes of play against Washington State (Jan. 7)... Added one steal and 2-of-2 at the line against Arizona State (Jan. 20)... Hit 2-of-2 from the field, including one three-pointer, against Arizona (Jan. 22)... Shot 100.0 percent in nine minutes on the court with one field goal and 2-of-2 at the line against Cal (Feb. 3)... Made her first collegiate start against Stanford (Feb. 5).
#22 Tashara Carter
Forward, 6-0, Junior, Harbor City, CA (Bishop Montgomery)
A two-year starter, Carter gained valuable experience at both the guard and forward positions last season. Among the returners, she led last year's squad in assists (1.78 apg), steals (2.0 spg) and blocks (0.70 bpg). This season... Has played in 22 games and made 22 starts... Posted a team-leading nine rebounds and three blocks at Portland (Nov. 23)... Added five assists against Texas Tech (Nov. 29)... Fouled out against LBSU (Dec. 8)... Accounted for 11 points and career-best six assists against Sac State (Dec. 11), while shooting 66.6 percent on the night... Tied career-best with six assists against Baylor (Dec. 19), while accounting for 14 points (6-of-9)... Added 10 points, including 10th and 11th straight points at the line against Notre Dame (Dec. 27)... Fouled out against Rutgers (Dec. 30)... Scored a career-high 21 points (9-of-13) against Washington (Jan. 9) - seven of which were scored in the final two minutes... Forced a season-best four turnovers against UCLA (Jan. 16)... Had her sixth double-figure performance against Arizona State (Jan. 20) with 12 points... Added a team-high 12 points against Arizona (Jan. 22)... Led the team with 20 points against Oregon (Jan. 27) - the second time this season she's scored 20+ points... Posted a team-high 15 points and four steals against Cal (Feb. 3)... Scored 19 points against Stanford (Feb. 5), 17 of them in the first half... Also went 5-for-5 at the line against the Cardinal... Added 10 points, six rebounds and three steals against UCLA (Feb. 12)... Led the team with 14 points (7-of-12) against Arizona (Feb. 17)... Scored 13 points and added three assists against the Sun Devils (Feb. 19).
#35 Portia Mitchell
Center, 6-4, Freshman, Los Angeles, CA (Narbonne)
A Women's Basketball Journal, Nike and Student Sport All-American, Mitchell provides size at the post for the Trojans. This season... Has not dressed for a game this season since failing to meet conditioning requirements.
#40 Tiffany Washington
Forward, 6-2, Senior, Lawndale, CA (Bishop Montgomery)
Undoubtedly the squad's most experienced player, Washington has played an important role in the program over the last four years. Last season she was the fifth-leading rebounder (7.0 rpg) in the Pac-10. This season... Has played in 21 games and made 15 starts... Had two steals and six boards against San Diego State (Dec. 4)... Nearly posted a double-double with nine points and nine rebounds against Sac State (Dec. 11)... Led the team with five rebounds against Notre Dame (Dec. 27)... Started against Rutgers (Dec. 30) and added four rebounds and five points... Posted the team's first double-double of the season with 11 points and 11 boards against Washington State (Jan. 7) - all points were tallied at the line... Made her first assist of the season and added eight points against Arizona State (Jan. 20)... Collected her first block of the season, along with a season-high five steals and 3-of-4 shooting against Arizona (Jan. 22)... Led the team with 11 points against Oregon State (Jan. 29)... Added 11 points and led with eight rebounds against Cal (Feb. 3)... Suffered a possible sprained left knee against the Bears and did not play against Stanford (Feb. 5)... Posted 10 points, including 6-of-8 at the line against Arizona (Feb. 17), and led the team with six rebounds... Led the team with seven rebounds and added 10 points (Feb. 19).
#43 Danielle Golay
Forward, 6-2, Senior, Manassas, VA (Seton Hall Univ.)
Golay joins the program as an active player after three seasons at Seton Hall. An All-Big East second team pick her final season, she averaged 12.3 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. This season... Has played in 22 games and made 22 starts... Added 10 points and was perfect from the line (4-4) against Portland (Nov. 23)... Nearly missed a double-double with 10 points and nine boards against Creighton (Nov. 26), while shooting 4-of-4 from the line and leading the team with three steals... Added 14 points against Texas Tech (Nov. 29)... Led the team in scoring with 16 points and had boards and two steals against SDSU (Dec. 4)... Added a team-leading 12 points against Sac State (Dec. 11)... Led the team with a season-best 19 points (75%) and eight rebounds against Baylor (Dec. 19), and was perfect at the line (4-of-4)... Had a game-leading 17 points (6-13) and seven boards against UCSB (Dec. 21)... With a similar performance, hit 6-of-13 on the night to lead the team with 16 points, five rebounds and four assists against Notre Dame (Dec. 27)... Posted 12 points (5-of-11) and five boards against Rutgers (Dec. 30)... Had 17 points against Washington (Jan. 9)... Had her third-straight double digit performance with 20 points (8-of-16) against UCLA (Jan. 16), surpassing a season-high... Fouled out in the overtime period against Arizona State (Jan. 20)... Was held to 0-for-6 against the Sun Devils... Rebounded against Arizona with 12 points and three steals against Arizona (Jan. 22)... Posted 11 points and a team-high six rebounds, three assists and two steals against Oregon (Jan. 27)... Added 10 points on 4-of-7 shooting (Jan. 29)... Had 12 points and seven rebounds against UCLA (Feb. 12)... Had 10 points and five rebounds against Arizona (Feb. 17), going 4-of-5 from the field... Fouled out against the Wildcats.
