University Southern California Trojans
Basketball Travels To No. 10 Stanford, California
February 17, 2004 | Women's Basketball
Feb. 17, 2004
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THIS WEEK
Thursday, Feb. 19 - USC at No. 10 Stanford
7 p.m. - Stanford, Calif. (Maples Pavilion)
INTERNET: Follow the game at www.gostanford.com
Saturday, Feb. 21 - USC at California
3 p.m. - Berkeley, Calif. (Haas Pavilion)
INTERNET: Follow the game at www.calbears.com
The Facts
The USC women's basketball team (14-9, 11-4 Pac-10), currently just a half game out of first place in the Pac-10 race, travels to the Bay Area this week for two of its final four regular season games. The Women of Troy face 10th-ranked and Pac-10 leader Stanford (18-5, 11-3 Pac-10) on Thursday, Feb. 19, at 7 p.m. at Maples Pavilion. The game can be heard at www.gostanford.com. On Saturday, Feb. 21, the Trojans travel to Berkeley, to face California (9-14, 2-12 Pac-10) at 3 p.m. at Haas Pavilion. The game be heard at www.calbears.com.
In its most critical series of the 2003-04 Pac-10 season, the Women of Troy took advantage of the opportunity and swept both Arizona State and then-24th-ranked Arizona to jump two spots in the conference standings for a shot at No. 1. USC defeated the Sun Devils, 65-50, on Feb. 12 thanks to the efforts of Meghan Gnekow, who led with 19 points, and Ebony Hoffman, who added a double-double. The Trojans upset the Wildcats, 68-66, on Feb. 15 thanks to Jessica Cheeks' perfect outing. Cheeks was 5-of-5 from the field, 2-of-2 at the line and led with 15 points. Her three-pointer and two free throws with less than a minute remaining solidified USC's lead.
The Race Is On
Unlike recent seasons, the conference race is tighter than ever at the top. Teams 1 through 5 are no more than a game apart with just two weeks left in Pac-10 play. Stanford holds the lead with an 11-3 record, but USC trails by a mere half game with an 11-4 mark. Arizona is in third place with a 10-4 record, followed by Arizona State (9-5) and UCLA (9-6). The standings are not only important to determine the regular season champion, but will also determine seedings for the upcoming Pac-10 Tournament, March 5-8.
Cheeks' Perfect Night
Senior Jessica Cheeks can be credited with USC's win over Arizona thanks to her perfect outing. Cheeks came off the bench to lead the Trojans with 15 points and three steals. She didn't miss a shot, making three 3-pointers and two field goals from inside the arc, as well as two foul shots.
Life on The Road
The Women of Troy hit the road again this week to continue their February travels. Five of USC's final seven conference games are on the road. The Trojans have already traveled to Washington State and Washington and prepare to finish the Pac-10 season with games at Stanford, California and UCLA.
The Last Time...
* The last time USC beat Stanford on the road and in Los Angeles was in 1987.
* The last time USC defeated both Stanford and Cal in the Bay Area was 2001.
* USC has never swept both Stanford and California in one season since the Pac-10 Conference was formed in 1987.
* The last time USC dropped no more than four games this far into the conference season was in 1997. Under then-head coach Fred Williams, the Women of Troy finished 13-5 in the Pac-10 for third place. This is the best conference record for USC under Chris Gobrecht.
* The last time head coach Chris Gobrecht won 11 conference games was in 2002. The last time Gobrecht captured more than 11 Pac-10 wins was in 1995 as head coach at Washington.
Rare Shot At No. 1
The 1997 season may be the last time USC had no more than four losses this far into the season, but the Women of Troy had no chance at the conference title that year. Stanford swept through conference play that season to claim the Pac-10 title with an 18-0 record. The last time USC was in contention for the regular season conference title was in 1994 when the Trojans captured their last Pac-10 championship under then-head coach Cheryl Miller.
Getting Some Attention
The Women of Troy have warranted some attention with their recent victories. USC held on to two votes in this week's USA Today/ESPN Coaches Poll and earned three votes in the Associated Press poll.
USC In The RPI
USC's strength of schedule is currently ranked No. 41 according to the Feb. 16 WBCA/Summerville RPI report, which also lists the Trojans as 42nd in overall RPI.
The Revolving Door
USC has 11 players that average more than 11 minutes per game and Ebony Hoffman is the only player who averages more than 25 minutes (Hoffman averages 29.0 mpg). So far this season, the Women of Troy have also utilized 11 different staring lineups.
Last Woman Standing
With 11 different starting lineups utilized this season, the only player to survive the rotations is sophomore forward/guard Meghan Gnekow. Gnekow has started all 23 games and is second on the team in rebounding (5.4 rpg) and third in scoring (7.7 ppg).
Against Ranked Opponents
USC's win over then-No. 24 Arizona on Feb. 15 was its second over a ranked opponent this season. The Women of Troy are now 2-3 against top-25 teams, including wins over No. 6 Stanford (Jan. 25) and Arizona, and losses to No. 11 Minnesota (Nov. 29), No. 1 UConn (Dec. 7) and No. 14 Colorado (Dec. 20).
Stanford Connections
* Ebony Hoffman and Stanford senior forward Nicole Powell were teammates on the USA Basketball Women's Junior World Championship Qualifying Team that won the gold medal in July of 2000 in Mar Del Plata, Argentina.
* Stanford's has one player from Southern California - junior center Chelsea Trotter (San Dimas).
California Connections
* Cal and USC both lost games to Colorado this season. The Bears fell 74-63 in Boulder on Nov. 29.
* Cal senior Latasha O'Keith was a teammate of Ebony Hoffman's at Los Angeles' Narbonne High.
* Bears' junior guard Kristin Iwanaga and Rometra Craig both attended Archbishop Mitty High in San Jose, Calif. The two were teammates for three seasons.
* Cal's roster boasts three players from Southern California, including O'Keith, Renee Wright (Antelope Valley) and Khadijah Coakley (San Diego).
Win And Win Big
USC's 14 victories this season have come by an average of 15.4 points. USC's losses have come by an average of 7.3 points and six of the nine were lost by no more than five points.
Hoffman's Double Doubles
Ebony Hoffman collected her seventh double-double of the season with 17 points and 10 rebounds against Arizona State on Feb. 12. She now has 35 double doubles for her career.
Game Recaps
vs. No. 24 Arizona -- Jessica Cheeks' three-pointer with less than a minute remaining, secured USC's upset victory over 24th-ranked Arizona in front of 1,262 at the Sports Arena on Feb. 15. Cheeks was perfect from the field, hitting 3-of-3 from beyond the arch and 5-of-5 from the field. Arizona shot 56 percent from the field (28-50), but it was not enough to overcome USC's defense, which forced 28 Wildcat turnovers. The Women of Troy also collected 12 steals in the effort. The Trojans held of a late Arizona rally, which saw the Wildcats diminish USC's game-best nine point lead, 61-52, with 3:27 on the clock. The Wildcats used an 8-0 run to come within one point, 61-60, with 1:26 left. Cheek's three-pointer gave the Women of Troy some breathing room as they managed to hold off Arizona's efforts in the final stretch. The Women of Troy and the Wildcats exchanged leads throughout the first half, neither team leading by more than five points. Arizona, despite a solid shooting effort, entered the locker room up by only three, 30-27. Cheeks led with 15 points, while seniors Ebony Hoffman and Rometra Craig added 12 and 11 points, respectively.
vs. Arizona State -- Meghan Gnekow led with 19 points and Ebony Hoffman added a double-double as USC defeated Arizona State on Feb. 12. USC forced 34 Sun Devils turnovers and collected 17 steals as it beat ASU by matching their defensive intensity. The Women of Troy blazed to a 13-2 lead in just the first five minutes of play. The Sun Devils were held without a field goal for more than six minutes before hitting a jumper at 13:41 to end the drought. USC maintained its intensity, all the while shooting 50 percent from the field to enter halftime with a 16-point lead, 35-19. Rometra Craig collected 10 of her 15 points in the first 20 minutes. The Trojans returned from the break and used a 10-0 run to go ahead by as much as 26 points, 45-19, at the 16:44 mark. ASU's Amy Denson gave the Devils their first bucket with a layup at 16:33, which ignited the team's only run of the night. By holding USC to two points over the next six minutes, Arizona State used a 15-2 rally to come within 13 (47-34) with 11:28 left on the clock. But that was as close as the Sun Devils would get as the Women of Troy eased to the 65-50 victory.
A Narrow Gap Between Wins and Losses
Four of USC's five nonconference losses were by a total of 11 points (that's 2.7 points per game). More impressive is the fact that three of the four opponents - New Mexico, UConn, Colorado - have been ranked this season.
Player News N' Notes
* Ebony Hoffman tied her career high with four blocks against Arizona State on Feb. 12.
* Jamie Funn collected her first career double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds against Oregon on Jan. 31.
* Ebony Hoffman was named Pac-10 Player of the Week after guiding USC to wins over Cal and Stanford on Jan. 23 and 25. She averaged a team-leading 15.5 points, 7.0 rebounds and 2.5 steals per game, in addition to shooting 42.9 percent from the field and 92.3 percent at the line.
* Ebony Hoffman tied her career high with four blocks against Cal on Jan. 23.
* Eshaya Murphy posted eight steals at Arizona on Jan. 15 - the mark ties for eighth place among USC all-time game records.
* Jessica Cheeks tied her career high with eight assists against Washington State (Jan. 11).
* Meghan Gnekow collected a career-high 20 points at Notre Dame (Dec. 22).
* Kim Gipson collected a career-high four steals against Colorado on Dec. 20.
* Ebony Hoffman had her first double-double of the year with 18 points, 13 rebounds against SMU on Dec. 17.
* Meghan Gnekow tied her career-high with 10 rebounds against UConn (Dec. 7) and set a new career-high with five assists.
* Meghan Gnekow surpassed her career high with 10 rebounds and tied her career high with two blocks at New Mexico (Nov. 21).
* Tiffany Hicks collected a career-high five rebounds at New Mexico (Nov. 21).
Team News N' Notes
* USC beat both Arizona State and Arizona in Los Angeles on Feb. 13 and 15 for the first time since 2000.
* USC's 36-point margin of victory over Washington State on Feb. 5 is its largest of the season.
* With its win on Jan. 31, USC completed a season sweep of Oregon for the first time since the 2000 season and only the second time in the last 10 years.
* The Trojans held Cal to only 10 points in the first half on Jan. 23, marking the lowest first-half total ever for a USC opponent.
* Arizona's 65.9 field goal shooting percentage in the game on Jan. 15 marks the second-highest ever for a USC opponent. The Wildcats' 36 turnovers tied the eighth-most in Trojan history.
* USC's 49 points at the half, 29-point halftime margin, 65.6 first-half field goal percentage, 82 final points and 30-point margin of victory were all season highs against WSU on Jan. 11.
* The Women of Troy also shot over 50.0 percent from the field against the Cougars (Jan. 11) for only the second time this season.
* The Trojans held Washington (Jan. 9) to a season-low point total (50) and season-worst shooting percentage (39.2), in addition to forcing the Huskies into a season-high 22 turnovers. The USC win also broke the Trojans' six-game losing streak to Washington.
* USC shot above 50 percent for the first time this season with a 50.8 percent effort at Oregon in a 69-55 victory on Jan. 2.
* The Women of Troy earned the first five-of-10 women's basketball points towards the Lexus Gauntlet with a win over UCLA on Dec. 28.
* The win over San Diego on Dec. 13 marked the 800th game in USC program history.
* USC's loss to UConn in its home opener (Dec. 7) was only its third-ever home-opening loss.
* UConn's 15-point deficit (37-22) to USC during the first half was the largest disadvantage Connecticut has been in this season.
* A total of 6,172 fans were in attendance for the USC-UConn game on Dec. 7, marking the largest Trojan crowd since 1985 and the seventh-highest in program history. It also marked USC's largest women's-only crowd, due to the fact that the top six attended games listed were played as double headers with men's basketball.
* USC's five assists against Minnesota tie for seventh among program records for fewest assists in a game, and its 28 personal fouls tie for seventh-most. Minnesota's 29 fouls tie for 10th among opponent game records and its 38 free throws attempted rank 10th.
* Multiple marks were set in the USC record books against New Mexico (11/21): USC's 33 personal fouls tie for second-most and New Mexico's 33 free throws made and 43 free throw attempts rank fourth and second among opponent game records.
Opponent Notes
No. 10 Stanford (18-5, 11-3 Pac-10) -- Stanford remains ranked in the top 10 despite its recent struggles in Pac-10 play. Prior to having faced USC in Los Angeles on Jan. 25, the Cardinal had dropped only two games all season. Since then, Stanford has dropped 3-of-6, including a rare sweep in the desert against Arizona and Arizona State. Stanford is coming of a 61-53 victory over crosstown rival California on Feb. 14. The team is led by senior forward Nicole Powell who averages 20.7 points and 11.1 rebounds per game. She is the only player on the team who averages double digits in scoring. Point guard Kelley Suminski leads the team with 3.2 assists per game.
Despite being upset in the second round of the NCAA Tournament last season, Stanford still finished the year ranked ninth in the final polls with a 27-5 overall record. With a 15-3 record, the Cardinal won the Pac-10 regular season title, then captured the tournament championship by beating Arizona. The team returned all five starters from last season and 11 total letterwinners. Head coach Tara VanDerveer, currently in her 18th season, made two addition to the roster this season.
USC-Stanford Series Record -- Thursday's game marks the 48th meeting between these two squads. Stanford owns a 29-18 advantage in the series, which dates back to 1979. What first started with a 13-game USC win streak was reversed in the 90s. Since 1990, the Cardinal have won 25-of-30 games. USC upset the ranked Cardinal in the first meeting of the 2003-04 season in Los Angeles, 59-56, and has now won the last two-of-three. Last season, the Trojans won at home, but fell at Stanford. The Women of Troy are 7-15 all-time at Maples Pavilion.
Team ComparisonsTeam Ppg Margin FG% 3-FG% FT% Rpg Apg TOpg Spg BpgUSC 68.8 +6.5 40.4 32.1 67.8 38.1 14.1 20.2 11.7 2.7Stanford 72.5 +12.9 44.9 37.5 81.0 38.7 16.0 16.3 7.0 3.7
Stanford Probable StartersNo. Name Pos. Ht. ppg rpg apg spg14 Nicole Powell Forward 6-2 20.7 11.1 3.4 2.144 Azella Perryman Forward 6-1 6.9 5.4 0.8 0.734 T'Nae Thiel Forward 6-1 6.3 3.9 1.6 0.55 Kelley Suminski Guard 5-9 8.6 2.4 3.2 1.024 Susan Borchardt Guard 5-7 8.6 1.2 2.4 0.8
California (9-14, 2-12 Pac-10) -- Cal is coming off a loss to crosstown rival Stanford, 61-53, on Feb. 14, which extended its losing streak to 10 games. Its only Pac-10 wins this season have come against Oregon, 51-57, on Dec. 27, and Washington State, 85-71, on Jan. 4. But the season and the team's record has taken on a different meaning for the Cal team as tragedy struck the group just seven games into Pac-10 play. On Jan. 19, junior forward Alisa Lewis, 20, passed away from bacterial meningitis.
The team is currently being led by senior guard Nihan Anaz. Anaz is averaging 15.0 points and 2.1 steals per game. Forward Leigh Gregory leads the team with 5.0 rebounds per game and point guard Kristin Iwanaga leads with 2.6 assists per outing.
Under head coach Carin Horstmeyer, who is currently in her fourth season at Cal, the Bears posted a 10-19 overall record and 5-13 Pac-10 record last season to finish in ninth place. The team returned 11 total letterwinners and three starters from 2003. Cal welcomed two newcomers to the program this season.
USC-California Series Record -- Cal and USC will meet for the 42nd time in program history on Saturday. The Trojans own a 29-12 (.700) record in the series and a 10-9 mark in Berkeley. USC already defeated the Bears in the first meeting of the season, 67-47, in Los Angeles on Jan. 23. Last season, USC won at home, 83-62, but lost a 60-50 decision late in the season in Berkeley.
Team ComparisonsTeam Ppg Margin FG% 3-FG% FT% Rpg Apg TOpg Spg BpgUSC 68.8 +6.5 40.4 32.1 67.8 38.1 14.1 20.2 11.7 2.7California 64.1 +0.5 44.3 44.3 31.3 32.0 13.0 19.7 9.9 1.2Player Profiles
California Probable StartersNo. Name Pos. Ht. ppg rpg apg spg22 Leigh Gregory Forward 6-0 11. 5.0 2.0 1.630 Kiki Williams Forward 6-1 6.4 3.8 1.0 1.01 Nihan Anaz Guard 5-9 15.0 3.8 2.0 2.15 Kristin Iwanaga Guard 5-6 7.5 2.2 2.6 1.233 LaTasha O'Keith Guard 5-7 9.2 3.1 2.1 1.6
#2 Jamie Hagiya (Point Guard * Freshman)
Jamie Hagiya enters her first season at USC... A much-needed player at the point guard position whose leadership capabilities and work ethic may give her an active role in the lineup this season... As a senior at South Torrance (Calif.) High, she led all Southern California prepsters with an 87.7 free throw percentage... One of four USC freshman who served as student body president or vice president in 2003.
This Season (2 games started, 23 games played):
at New Mexico (11/21): 5 points (2-4), 1 rebound, 2 steals... vs. Seton Hall (11/28): 3 points (1-1), 3 assists... vs. Minn. (11/29): 12 points (4-18), 1 rebound, 2 assists, 3 steals, hit halfcourt shot as clock ran down in the first half... vs. UConn (12/7): 7 points (2-5), 4 assists, 1 steal... vs. San Diego (12/13): 9 points (4-7), 2 assists, 3 steals... vs. SMU (12/17): made first career start, 8 points (4-9), 1 rebound, 4 assists, 3 steals... vs. Colorado (12/20): 4 points (2-5), 1 rebound, 3 assists, 2 steals... at Notre Dame (12/22): 2 points (1-5), 2 rebounds, 3 assists... vs. UCLA (12/28): 2 points (1-5), 3 rebounds, 3 assists... at Oregon (1/2): 7 points (3-5), 1 assist, 1 steal... at OSU (12/4): 4 points (0-4), 3 assists, 2 steals... vs. Wash (1/9): 12 points (3-7), 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal... vs. WSU (1/11): 10 points (4-5), 1 rebound, 6 assists, 2 steals... at Arizona (1/15): 3 rebounds, 1 assist... at ASU (1/17): started, 10 points (1-3), 4 assists, 3 steals... vs. Cal (1/23): 5 points (1-1), 1 rebound, 1 assist, 1 steal... vs. Stanford (1/25): 2 points (0-2), 1 assist... vs. OSU (1/29): 6 points (1-2), 1 rebound, 1 assist... vs. Oregon (1/31): 8 points (3-5), 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals... at WSU (2/5): 9 points (3-5), 2 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals... at Wash (2/7): 5 points (2-2), 1 rebound, 4 assists, 2 steals... vs. ASU (2/12): 3 assists... vs. Arizona (2/15): 9 points (3-8), 2 assists, 2 steals...
#3 Rometra Craig (Guard * Senior)
Rometra Craig begins her second season with the Women of Troy... A 2003 All-Pac-10 honorable mention pick... Averaged 13.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 2.4 steals last season, while leading the team with 34 three-pointers... A returning starter.
This Season (19 games started, 23 games played):
at New Mexico (11/21): started, 11 points (3-13), 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals... vs. Seton Hall (11/28): started, 18 points (7-13), 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals... vs. Minn. (11/29): started, 11 points (4-11), 1 rebound, 3 steals, 1 block... Named to Junkanoo Jam All-Tournament team... vs. UConn (12/7): started, 8 points (4-11), 1 steal... vs. San Diego (12/13): 7 poinst (2-7), 1 rebound, 2 assists, 2 steals... vs. SMU (12/17): 15 points (6-12), 2 rebounds, 4 steals... vs. Colorado (12/20): started, 9 points (2-6), 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal... at Notre Dame (12/22): started, 10 points (4-13), 3 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals... vs. UCLA (12/28): started, 8 points (3-8), 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals... at Oregon (1/2): started, 15 points (7-11), 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals... at OSU (12/4): started, 8 points (3-9), 1 rebound, 2 assists, 4 steals... vs. Wash (1/9): started, 13 points (3-10), 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 1 steal... vs. WSU (1/11): started, 11 points (5-10), 1 rebound, 1 assist, 2 steals... at Arizona (1/15): started, 6 points (2-13), 5 rebounds, 1 assists, 3 steals... at ASU (1/17): 11 points (4-7), 2 rebounds, 2 steals... vs. Cal (1/23): 19 points (7-14), 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 5 steals... vs. Stanford (1/25): started, 8 points (3-10), 1 rebound, 1 assist... vs. OSU (1/29): started, 12 points (5-12), 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal... vs. Oregon (1/31): started, 18 points (7-19), 2 rebounds, 5 assists... at WSU (2/5): started, 9 points (3-7), 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals... at Wash (2/7): started, 5 points (1-7), 3 rebounds, 1 steal... vs. ASU (2/12): started, 15 points (5-12), 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 4 steals... vs. Arizona (2/15): started, 11 points (5-16), 2 rebounds, 2 steals...
#5 Meghan Gnekow (Guard * Sophomore)
Meghan Gnekow enters her second season at USC... Played mainly at off the bench last season at the shooting guard and small forward positions... Averaged 6.1 points, 3.1 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 0.6 steals and 0.4 blocks per game in 2002-03.
This Season (23 games started, 23 games played):
at New Mexico (11/21): started, 14 points (1-5), career-high 10 rebounds, 3 assists, tied career high 2 blocks... vs. Seton Hall (11/28): started, 7 points (2-7), 9 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 1 steal... vs. Minn. (11/29): started, 5 points (2-6), 7 rebounds, 2 steals.. vs. UConn (12/7): started, 7 points (3-7), tied career-high 10 rebounds, career-high 5 assists, 2 steals... vs. San Diego (12/13): started, 14 points (5-9), 6 rebounds, 2 assists... vs. SMU (12/17): started, 14 points (5-8), 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal... vs. Colorado (12/20): started, 2 points (1-4), 5 rebounds, 1 assist... at Notre Dame (12/22): started, career-high 20 points (8-11), 1 rebound... vs. UCLA (12/28): started, 5 points (2-9), 3 rebounds, 2 steals... at Oregon (1/2): started, 7 points (3-7), 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal... at OSU (12/4): started, 1 rebound... vs. Wash (1/9): started, 9 points (4-8), 8 rebounds, 1 steal... vs. WSU (1/11): started, 2 points (1-4), 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 block... at Arizona (1/15): started, 7 points (3-6), 5 rebounds... at ASU (1/17): started, 10 points (3-8), 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block, 1 steal... vs. Cal (1/23): started, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, 1 steal... vs. Stanford (1/25): started, 3 points (1-2), 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal... vs. OSU (1/29): started, 10 points (3-6), 9 rebounds, 1 assist... vs. Oregon (1/31): started, 9 points (4-10), 6 rebounds, 1 assist... at WSU (2/5): started, 15 points (3-6, 3-5 3-ptrs), 6 rebounds, 1 assist... at Wash (2/7): started, 8 points (4-6), 6 rebounds, 4 assists... vs. ASU (2/12): started, 19 points (7-11), 5 rebounds, 1 steal... vs. Arizona (2/15): started, 2 rebounds, 1 assist...
#10 Jessica Cheeks (Guard * Junior)
Jessica Cheeks enters her fourth season with the Women of Troy, but will not join the team until the conclusion of the fall semester as an extension of her 10-game hiatus from the 2003 season... Played 22 games last season and averaged 8.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 2.0 steals per game... A returning starter.
This Season (1 game started, 17 games played):
Missed first six games due to suspension granted in 2003 season... vs. Colorado (12/20): made first appearance of season, 7 points (2-4), 3 rebounds, 1 steal... at Notre Dame (12/22): 11 points (4-8), 4 assists... vs. UCLA (12/28): started, 17 points (6-11), 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, 1 steal... at Oregon (1/2): 5 points (2-3), 2 rebounds... at OSU (12/4): 5 points (2-7), 2 rebounds, 1 assist... vs. Wash (1/9): 8 points (3-6), 3 steals... vs. WSU (1/11): 9 points (4-4), tied career high with 8 assists, 2 steals... at Arizona (1/15): 7 points (3-16), 5 rebounds... at ASU (1/17): 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal... vs. Cal (1/23): 5 points (2-4), 2 rebounds, 1 block, 2 steals... vs. Stanford (1/25): 8 points (3-6), 3 rebounds, 3 assists... vs. OSU (1/29): 3 points (0-8), 1 rebound, 3 assists, 1 block, 4 steals... vs. Oregon (1/31): 2 points (1-6), 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, 1 steal... at WSU (2/5): 5 points (2-5), 3 assists, 5 steals... at Wash (2/7): 8 points (3-8), 1 rebound, 3 assists, 1 steal... vs. ASU (2/12): 2 points (1-3), 1 rebound, 1 assist, 1 steal... vs. Arizona (2/15): 15 points (5-5), was perfect from the field and at the line (2-2), 1 rebound, 1 assist, career-high 2 blocks, 3 steals...
#14 Eshaya Murphy (Guard * Freshman)
Eshaya Murphy enters her first season with the Women of Troy... Also goes by "Shay"... As a senior at Montclair Prep in Van Nuys, she finished among the CIF Southern Section's top 25 in scoring, rebounding and steals... She was a two-time Street & Smith All-American honorable mention and the 2003 CIF Southern Section Player of the Year... One of four USC freshman who served as student body president or vice president in 2003.
This Season (2 games started, 23 games played):
at New Mexico (11/21): 5 points (2-6), 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal... vs. Seton Hall (11/28): 8 points (2-5), 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal... vs. Minn. (11/29): 5 points (1-5), 1 rebound, 1 steal... vs. UConn (12/7): 13 points (5-10), 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal... vs. San Diego (12/13): DNP (flu)... vs. SMU (12/17): 2 points (1-7), 5 rebounds... vs. Colorado (12/20): 13 points (5-14), 1 rebound, 1 assist, 2 steals... at Notre Dame (12/22): 2 points (0-7), 2 assists, 1 steal... vs. UCLA (12/28): 1 rebound... at Oregon (1/2): played four minutes... at OSU (12/4): 10 points (4-6), 1 rebound, 3 steals... vs. Wash (1/9): 11 points (4-9), 4 rebounds, 4 steals... vs. WSU (1/11): 5 points (1-6), 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, 1 steal... at Arizona (1/15): 15 points (3-11), 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 8 steals (ties for eighth among USC's single game records)... at ASU (1/17): made first career start, 11 points (5-11), 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals... vs. Cal (1/23): started, 6 points (3-6), 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals... vs. Stanford (1/25): 7 points (3-9), 9 rebounds, 1 steal... vs. OSU (1/29): 1 rebound, 1 steal... vs. Oregon (1/31): 4 points (2-4), 1 rebound, 1 assist... at WSU (2/5): 7 points (3-5), 1 rebound, 1 assist, 3 steals... at Wash (2/7): 10 points (4-9), 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 2 steals... vs. ASU (2/12): 1 steal... vs. Arizona (2/15): 7 points (3-9), 5 rebounds, 1 steal...
#15 Markisha Lea (Center * Freshman)
Markisha Lea enters her first season with the Women of Troy... A Street & Smith honorable mention pick... One of four USC freshman who served as student body president or vice president in 2003... Her brother, Marvin, is currently a redshirt freshman on the Pepperdine men's basketball team.
This Season (3 games played):
at New Mexico (11/21): DNP... vs. Seton Hall (11/28): DNP... vs. Minn. (11/29): DNP... vs. UConn (12/7): DNP... vs. San Diego (12/13): 2 points... vs. SMU (12/17): DNP... vs. Colorado (12/20): DNP... at Notre Dame (12/22): DNP... vs. UCLA (12/28): DNP... at Oregon (1/2): DNP... at OSU (12/4): DNP... vs. Wash (1/9): DNP... vs. WSU (1/11): scored 8 points (4-5) in the final 3 minutes, 1 rebound... at Arizona (1/15): DNP... at ASU (1/17): DNP... vs. Cal (1/23): DNP... vs. Stanford (1/25): DNP... vs. OSU (1/29): DNP... vs. Oregon (1/31): DNP... at WSU (2/5): 5 points (2-2), 1 rebound... at Wash (2/7): DNP... vs. ASU (2/12): DNP... vs. Arizona (2/15): DNP...
#22 Allison Jaskowiak (Guard/Forward * Freshman)
Allison Jaskowiak begins her first season at USC... A player capable of playing at the 2, 3 and 4 positions... One of four USC freshman who served as student body president or vice president in 2003... Comes from a long-line of athletes: her grandfather played 10 years in the NBA, father played football at Missouri, brother played football at Navy and sister, Emily, is currently a junior forward at Tulsa.
This Season (2 games played):
at New Mexico (11/21): DNP... vs. Seton Hall (11/28): DNP... vs. Minn. (11/29): DNP... vs. UConn (12/7): DNP... vs. San Diego (12/13): 3 minutes played... vs. SMU (12/17): DNP... vs. Colorado (12/20): DNP... at Notre Dame (12/22): DNP... vs. UCLA (12/28): DNP... at Oregon (1/2):DNP... at OSU (12/4): DNP... injured Jan. 8 through Jan. 17... vs. Cal (1/23): DNP... vs. Stanford (1/25): DNP... vs. OSU (1/29): DNP... vs. Oregon (1/31): DNP... at WSU (2/5): 1 rebound, 1 assist... at Wash (2/7): DNP... vs. ASU (2/12): DNP... vs. Arizona (2/15): DNP...
#24 Tiffany Hicks (Point Guard * Senior)
Tiffany Hicks begins her fourth season at USC... A 2002 junior college transfer... The only true returning point guard... Made 15 starts last season and averaged 2.0 points, 2.2 assists and 1.4 steals per game.
This Season (21 games started, 23 games played):
at New Mexico (11/21): started, 4 points (1-4), career-high 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal... vs. Seton Hall (11/28): started, 4 points (1-1), 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal... vs. Minn. (11/29): started, 2 points (1-1), 1 rebound, 1 assist... vs. UConn (12/7): started, 3 points (1-2), 1 assist, 1 steal... vs. San Diego (12/13): started, 3 points (1-2), 1 rebound, 1 assist, 2 steals... vs. SMU (12/17): did not start due to mildly sprained right knee, played 11 minutes... vs. Colorado (12/20): started, 8 points (3-3), 1 rebound, 1 assist... at Notre Dame (12/22): started, 2 assists, 1 steal... vs. UCLA (12/28): started, 1 point (0-0), 1 rebound, 3 assists... at Oregon (1/2): started, 3 rebounds, 2 assists... at OSU (12/4): started, 3 points (1-1), 1 assist... vs. Wash (1/9): started, 2 points (1-2), 1 rebound... vs. WSU (1/11): started, 2 rebounds, 3 steals... at Arizona (1/15): started, 3 points (1-2)... at ASU (1/17): started, 3 points (1-2), 1 rebound, 3 assists, 1 steal... vs. Cal (1/23): started, 9 points (3-5), 2 assists... vs. Stanford (1/25): started, 5 points (1-4), 3 rebounds, 1 assist... vs. OSU (1/29): started, 2 points (1-1), 1 rebound, 3 assists... vs. Oregon (1/31): started, 3 rebounds, 2 assists... at WSU (2/5): started, 6 points (1-2), 1 rebound, 3 assists... at Wash (2/7): started, 1 rebound, 1 assist... vs. ASU (2/12): started, 6 points (2-3), 1 rebound, 4 assists, 1 steal... vs. Arizona (2/15): started, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal...
#30 Katie Henderson (Forward * Freshman)
Katie Henderson begins her first season at USC... A multi-sport athlete with good size and shooting ability... Will have the opportunity to contribute off the bench for the Women of Troy this season.
This Season (3 games played):
at New Mexico (11/21): DNP... vs. Seton Hall (11/28): DNP... vs. Minn. (11/29): DNP... vs. UConn (12/7): DNP... vs. San Diego (12/13): 3 minutes played... vs. SMU (12/17): DNP... vs. Colorado (12/20): DNP... at Notre Dame (12/22): DNP... vs. UCLA (12/28): DNP... at Oregon (1/2): DNP... at OSU (12/4): DNP... vs. Wash (1/9): DNP... vs. WSU (1/11): played 3 minutes, 1 rebound... at Arizona (1/15): DNP... at ASU (1/17): DNP... vs. Cal (1/23): DNP... vs. Stanford (1/25): DNP... vs. OSU (1/29): DNP... vs. Oregon (1/31): DNP... at WSU (2/5): 1 steal... at Wash (2/7): DNP... vs. ASU (2/12): DNP... vs. Arizona (2/15): DNP...
#32 Ebony Hoffman (Forward * Senior)
Ebony Hoffman enters her fourth season with the Women of Troy... One of the most dominating post players in the conference who has already enjoyed three outstanding seasons at USC... Named to the 2003 All-Pac-10 First Team and a WBCA All-District 8 selection after leading the team with 16.3 points, 9.8 rebounds, 2.5 steals, 2.3 assists and 1.1 blocks per game last season... Already selected to three Preseason All-America lists for 2004... A returning starter in the post.
This Season (22 games started, 23 games played):
at New Mexico (11/21): started, 19 points (8-14), 3 rebounds, 1 block... vs. Seton Hall (11/28): started, 20 points (5-12), 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, 4 steals... vs. Minn. (11/29): started, 10 points (4-15), 9 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 blocks, 6 steals... vs. UConn (12/7): DNP... vs. UConn (12/7): started, 15 points (5-13), 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals... vs. San Diego (12/13): started, 14 points (4-9), 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 6 steals... vs. SMU (12/17): started, double-double with 18 points (7-14), 13 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 block, 3 steals... vs. Colorado (12/20): started, 13 points (4-9), 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, 1 steal... at Notre Dame (12/22): started, double-double with 14 points (5-8), 16 rebounds, 1 block, 1 steal... vs. UCLA (12/28): started, double-double with 17 points (5-14), 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals... at Oregon (1/2): started, double-double with 25 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 blocks, 1 steal... at OSU (12/4): started, double-double with 14 points (7-20), 16 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 blocks, 1 steal... vs. Wash (1/9): started, 8 points (3-9), 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 block, 1 steal... vs. WSU (1/11): started, 16 points (6-10), 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal... at Arizona (1/15): started, 17 points (7-10), 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals... at ASU (1/17): started, 9 points (3-11), 10 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals... vs. Cal (1/23): staretd, 15 points (5-9), 5 rebounds, 1 assists, career-high 4 blocks, 1 steal... vs. Stanford (1/25): started, 16 points (4-12), 9 rebounds, 4 steals... Named Pac-10 Player of the Week (Jan. 26)... vs. OSU (1/29): started, 19 points (6-10), 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 2 steals... vs. Oregon (1/31): suspended for first half (violation of team policy), 12 points (5-8), 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block... at WSU (2/5): started, double-double with 12 points (5-9), 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks, 1 steal... at Wash (2/7): started, 16 points (5-11), 7 rebound, 2 assists... vs. ASU (2/12): started, double-double with 17 points (5-12), 10 rebounds, 2 assists, tied career-high 4 blocks, 4 steals... vs. Arizona (2/15): started, 12 points (3-7), 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block, 2 steals...
#33 Rachel Woodward (Forward * Junior)
Rachel Woodward enters her third season with the Women of Troy... A 2002 Pac-10 All-Freshman team selection... Made 29 starts and averaged 10.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.2 steals per game last season... A talented passer who works well in transition and possesses strong rebounding skills... A returning starter.
This Season (3 games started, 23 games played):
at New Mexico (11/21): 9 points (4-9), 2 rebounds, 2 assists... vs. Seton Hall (11/28): 2 points (0-3), 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 2 steals... vs. Minn. (11/29): 1 point (0-3, 1-2 FT), 2 rebounds... vs. UConn (12/7): started, 8 points (4-7), 3 rebounds, 2 assists... vs. San Diego (12/13): started, 16 points (6-11), 4 rebounds, 3 assists... vs. SMU (12/17): started, 2 points (1-4), 3 rebounds, 2 assists... vs. Colorado (12/20): 3 points (1-6), 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 block, 1 steal... at Notre Dame (12/22): 2 rebounds... vs. UCLA (12/28): 3 points (1-5), 7 rebounds, 1 assist... at Oregon (1/2): 3 rebounds... at OSU (12/4): 4 points (2-3), 5 rebounds... vs. Wash (1/9): 4 points (2-2), 1 rebound... vs. WSU (1/11): 6 points (2-3), 1 assist... at Arizona (1/15): 2 points (0-4), 3 rebounds, 1 steal... at ASU (1/17): 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block... vs. Cal (1/23): 2 points (1-3), 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals... vs. Stanford (1/25): played 8 minutes... vs. OSU (1/29): 6 points (3-6), 1 rebound... vs. Oregon (1/31): 2 rebounds, 1 assist... at WSU (2/5): 2 points (1-4), 3 rebounds... at Wash (2/7): 9 points (4-6), 6 rebounds, 1 assist... vs. ASU (2/12): 6 points (3-3), 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 2 steals... vs. Arizona (2/15): 7 points (3-4), 3 rebounds...
#41 Jamie Funn (Center * Freshman)
Jamie Funn enters her first season with the Women of Troy... A three-time Street & Smith honorable mention selection... A fellow Narbonne High standout, along with current teammates Ebony Hoffman and Jessica Cheeks... Her sister, Nicole, is currently a senior guard on the Pepperdine women's basketball team... A versatile forward with great reach.
This Season (7 games started, 23 games played):
at New Mexico (11/21): 2 points (1-5), 6 rebounds, 1 assist... vs. Seton Hall (11/28): 4 points (2-5), 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals... vs. Minn. (11/29): 6 points (0-0, 6-8 FT), 1 rebound, 1 assist, 1 steal... vs. UConn (12/7): 2 points (1-3), 2 rebounds... vs. San Diego (12/13): 4 points (2-5), 2 rebounds, 1 assist... vs. SMU (12/17): 1 rebound, 2 assists... vs. Colorado (12/20): 3 rebounds... at Notre Dame (12/22): played 2 minutes... vs. UCLA (12/28): 9 points (4-8), 6 rebounds, 1 steal... at Oregon (1/2): 6 points (3-5), 4 rebounds... at OSU (12/4): 6 points (2-14), 10 rebounds... vs. Wash (1/9): 3 points (1-5), 3 rebounds, 1 steal... vs. WSU (1/11): 5 rebounds... at Arizona (1/15): 2 points (1-2)... at ASU (1/17): made first career start, 6 points (3-7), 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 blocks, 1 steal... vs. Cal (1/23): started, 5 points (1-1), 1 rebound, 1 assist, 1 steal... vs. Stanford (1/25): started, 8 points (3-7), 5 rebounds... vs. OSU (1/29): 4 points (2-3), 1 rebound... vs. Oregon (1/31): started, first career double-double with 13 points (6-10), 11 rebounds, 1 assist... at WSU (2/5): started, 7 points (3-8), 6 rebounds, 1 assist... at Wash (2/7): started, 5 points (2-4), 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal... vs. ASU (2/12): started, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal... vs. Arizona (2/15): 2 rebounds...
#44 Kim Gipson (Center * Junior)
Kim Gipson begins her third season with the Women of Troy... At 6-foot-5, she is the tallest player on the USC roster... A fast and mobile player, who can run the court well... She played in all 31 games last season and averaged 3.3 points, 2.4 rebounds, 0.6 assists, 0.4 steals and 0.2 blocks per game.
This Season (11 games started, 23 games played):
at New Mexico (11/21): started, 6 points (3-9), 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal... vs. Seton Hall (11/28): started, 1 assist... vs. Minn. (11/29): started, 7 points (3-6), 5 rebounds... vs. UConn (12/7): 3 points (1-2), 1 rebound, 1 assist... vs. San Diego (12/13): started, 2 points (0-1), 2 rebounds, 1 assist... vs. SMU (12/17): started, 4 points (2-4), 1 rebound... vs. Colorado (12/20): started, 2 points (1-3), 1 rebound, career-high 4 steals... at Notre Dame (12/22): started, 3 points (1-3), 4 rebounds... vs. UCLA (12/28): 2 points (1-3), 1 rebound... at Oregon (1/2): started, 2 points (1-5), 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal... at OSU (12/4): started, 11 points (4-5), 4 rebounds... vs. Wash (1/9): 2 rebounds, 1 assist... vs. WSU (1/11): 4 points (2-5), 4 rebounds, 1 steal... at Arizona (1/15): 5 points (2-3), 1 rebound, 3 assists, 3 steals... at ASU (1/17): 2 points (1-2), 2 rebounds... vs. Cal (1/23): 2 points (1-2)... vs. Stanford (1/25): 2 points (1-2), 2 rebounds... vs. OSU (1/29): started, 2 points (1-1)... vs. Oregon (1/31): 3 points (0-3), 3 rebounds, 1 steal... at WSU (2/5): 2 rebounds... at Wash (2/7): played 2 minutes... vs. ASU (2/12): 2 steals... vs. Arizona (2/15): started, 7 points (2-6), 2 rebounds, 1 steal...
#50 Chlo? Kerr (Center * Freshman)
Chlo? Kerr enters her first season with the Women of Troy... A three-time Street & Smith honorable mention pick, who was ranked 33rd among prep recruits in 2003... Will be looked to for much-needed depth in the post... Her father and uncle both played basketball at Colorado State, one brother played football at Tennessee and another brother played basketball at Loyola-Chicago.
This Season (4 games started, 23 games played):
at New Mexico (11/21): 10 points (4-10), 9 rebounds, 1 block... vs. Seton Hall (11/28): 4 points (1-5), 1 rebound, 1 assist, 3 steals... vs. Minn. (11/29): 2 points (1-3), 1 rebound, 1 steal... vs. UConn (12/7): 3 points (1-6), 3 rebounds... vs. San Diego (12/13): 11 points (5-11), 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, 1 steal... vs. SMU (12/17): 1 point (0-4), 1 rebound... vs. Colorado (12/20): 6 points (3-4), 1 block... at Notre Dame (12/22): 2 rebounds, 3 blocks... vs. UCLA (12/28): played 2 minutes... at Oregon (1/2): 2 points (0-1), 1 assist, 1 block... at OSU (12/4): 2 points (0-1)... vs. Wash (1/9): started, 2 rebounds... vs. WSU (1/11): made career first start, 11 points (5-9), 1 rebound, 1 assist, 2 steals... at Arizona (1/15): started, 1 rebound... at ASU (1/17): started, 6 points (3-5), 1 assist, 1 block, 1 steal... vs. Cal (1/23): started, 4 points (2-4), 3 rebounds... vs. Stanford (1/25): 3 rebounds, 1 assist... vs. OSU (1/29): 2 points (0-2), 2 rebounds, 1 assist... vs. Oregon (1/31): started, 2 points (1-2), 1 rebound, 1 assist... at WSU (2/5): 6 points (3-7), 5 rebounds... at Wash (2/7): 4 points (2-3), 2 rebounds, 2 blocks... vs. ASU (2/12): played 3 minutes... vs. Arizona (2/15): played 3 minutes...
