University Southern California Trojans
USC
*California
USC Women Defeat California, 67-47
January 23, 2004 | Women's Basketball
Jan 23, 2004
By BETH HARRIS
AP Sports Writer
LOS ANGELES - Southern California defeated California 67-47 Friday night in the Golden Bears' first game since reserve Alisa Lewis died earlier this week.
There was a moment of silence before the game to honor Lewis, who died Monday of bacterial meningitis, an infection of the covering of the brain and spinal cord.
Lewis died hours after complaining of a severe headache, rash and flulike symptoms. Cal's players decided to go ahead with their road trip after getting reassurances from Lewis' parents.
During the national anthem, Cal's players and staff stood shoulder-to-shoulder across the court holding hands.
Cal players wore small black square patches on the front of their jerseys with AL 31 in pink, Lewis' favorite color. The team's coaches and staff wore pink ribbons with Alisa #31 on them.
The game notes were dedicated "in loving memory to Alisa Marie Lewis," and her career and season highs were highlighted in a box.
The Golden Bears (9-8, 2-6 Pac-10) never challenged the Trojans in losing their fourth straight. They shot 17 percent from the floor in the first half, committed 22 turnovers and trailed 30-10 at the break.
Cal's point total was its lowest this season. The Bears hadn't scored less than 50 points since they had 35 against Stanford last March. Nihan Anaz scored 14 points.
USC (9-7, 6-2) was led by Rometra Craig with 19 points.
Lewis, a 20-year-old junior forward, played in 10 of the Bears' 16 games before her death. She averaged 1.9 points and 1.7 rebounds. She started six games during her first two years.
About 1,000 people attended Lewis' memorial service Thursday in Berkeley, including Stanford coach Tara VanDerveer and Washington coach June Daugherty. The Cal athletic department has established a women's basketball scholarship in Lewis' name.
In Cal's media guide, Lewis listed her favorite inspirational quote: "Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die today."
Lewis' death was the second brush with tragedy for USC's team. Last season, Washington's Kayla Burt nearly died days before the Huskies traveled to Los Angeles for a game against the Trojans.
Burt's heart stopped beating and teammates kept her alive with CPR until help arrived. She was diagnosed with a rare electrical disorder that causes heartbeat irregularities and was forced to end her career.
