Pac-10 Women’s Tournament: USC advances to semifinals

LOS ANGELES — All the extra running first-year USC coach Michael Cooper had his players do in the preseason paid off when competing against high-octane Oregon.

Briana Gilbreath scored 19 points to lead the third-seeded Trojans past the sixth-seeded Ducks 80-76 Friday in the quarterfinals of the Pac-10 Conference tournament.

Ashley Corral had 16 points and Kari LaPlante 15 for the Trojans, who won their sixth straight.

The game resembled a track meet at times, with both teams pushing the ball incessantly.

“They were running and running and kept running,” Cooper said. “It kind of took a toll on us in the first half, but we got our second wind and were able to come back.

“They’re a team that you’ve got to put the track shoes on and come ready to play. We got after them, and they got after us.”

USC (19-11) plays second-seeded UCLA in the semifinals today.

The Ducks pulled as close as 72-71 when Micaela Cocks made two free throws with 1:09 remaining. But Jacki Gemelos sank four free throws in the final 15 seconds to preserve the victory.

Taylor Lilley led the Ducks with 22 points. Victoria Kenyon had a career-high 18 points and Nia Jackson added 18 for Oregon (16-15), which has lost seven straight.

Cal 60, Arizona State 50

LOS ANGELES — Alexis Gray-Lawson scored 15 points, DeNesha Stallworth added 14 points and eight rebounds, and California pulled away in the final minutes to advance to the Pac-10 tournament semifinals.

Natasha Vital scored 12 points for the fourth-seeded Golden Bears (18-12), who broke open an even quarterfinal game with 8 minutes to play.

Cal went on a 14-4 run led by Gray-Lawson, the fifth-year senior and the Pac-10’s second-leading scorer. Stallworth, the Bears’ promising freshman, scored 12 points in the second half.

Becca Tobin had eight points and seven rebounds for the Sun Devils (17-13), who made less than 30 percent of their shots and foundered late in their third consecutive loss.

No. 2 Stanford 72, Arizona 52

LOS ANGELES — Nnemkadi Ogwumike scored 25 points and No. 2 Stanford got a second-half boost from injured star Jayne Appel in a victory over Arizona.

Jeannette Pohlen scored 15 points for the Cardinal (29-1), who won their 20th straight and advanced to face California in today’s semifinals.

Yet the mighty Cardinal had trouble shaking the Wildcats (14-17), who only dressed eight players and had to win a play-in game Thursday.

Stanford led 43-40 with 13:21 to play when coach Tara VanDerveer finally used Appel, who has a sore right ankle that kept the All-American center out of last week’s win over Cal. The Cardinal immediately scored eight straight points and made a 19-6 run.

UCLA 60, Oregon St. 44

LOS ANGELES — Jasmine Dixon scored 14 points, Markel Walker added 10 and No. 23 UCLA rolled into the Pac-10 tournament semifinals.

Erica Tukiainen hit three 3-pointers for the second-seeded Bruins (23-7), who have won nine straight and 13 of 14 in coach Nikki Caldwell’s impressive second season.

UCLA’s third easy victory over the Beavers this season set up an all-California rivalry slate in Saturday’s semifinals. No. 2 Stanford will face California before the Bruins take on USC in the Trojans’ home gym.

Julie Futch scored 13 points and Haiden Palmer added 10 for Oregon State (11-20), which set a Pac-10 tournament record and season high with 33 turnovers in its 18th loss in 20 games.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Mountlake Terrace’s Svayjeet Singh leaps in the air after the basketball during the 3A district loser-out playoff game against Snohomish on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025 in Mountlake Terrace, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Snohomish upsets Mountlake Terrace for first playoff win in 11 years

Bryson Wheat scored 25 in Panthers’ 49-43 win to advance to the District 1 Boys 3A quarterfinals

Marysville Getchell junior Bubba Palocol reverses directions while dribbling against Arlington during a playoff matchup at Arlington High School on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, in Arlington, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Prep basketball roundup for Thursday, Feb. 13

Marysville Getchell, Lakewood boys each earn district wins

Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for Feb. 2-8

The Athlete of the Week nominees for Feb. 2-8. Voting closes at… Continue reading

Kenneth Walker III runs with against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Dec. 1, 2024. (Photo courtesy of the Seattle Seahawks)
Seahawks hire run game coach

Justin Outten added to staff as Mike Macdonald continues attempts to bolster rushing attack.

Balanced scoring attack leads Gonzaga

Zags take over second place in WCC with 88-77 win over USF.

Julio Rodríguez (left) and manager Dan Wilson (right) of the Seattle Mariners react after the game against the Oakland Athletics at T-Mobile Park on Sept. 27, 2024, in Seattle, Washington. (Steph Chambers / Getty Images / Tribune News Services)
Dan Wilson begins first spring training as M’s manager

An anxious eagerness to get through the first of… Continue reading

Shorewood senior Bridget Cox (11) elevates to get a shot over Everett senior Aimelie Hovde-Girard (21) in Shorewood's 41-30 win in the opening round of the District 1 3A Girls Tournament on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025 in Shoreline, Washington. (Joe Pohoryles / The Herald)
Shorewood girls basketball avoids Everett upset bid in 41-30 win

Glasser’s ‘dagger’ 3 caps second-half run, pushes No. 5 Stormrays to 3A District 1 Quarterfinals

Prep roundup for Wednesday, Feb. 12

Terrace, Monroe girls advance in district hoops tournament.

Kimberly Beard, a Mukilteo resident who attends King's High School, prepares to release a throw during the 20-pound weight competition at George Fox University in Newberg, Ore. on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Donna Beard)
Mukilteo’s Kimberly Beard wins throwing event

The King’s High School junior won the 20-pound weight throw at a George Fox indoor meet.

Seahawks right tackle Abraham Lucas (72), who will be coached by his third offensive line coach in three seasons in 2025, lines up in Seattle's 20-17 win over San Francisco at Levi's Stadium on Nov. 17, 2024. (Photo courtesy of Edwin Hooper / Seattle Seahawks)
Seahawks hire shows they’re serious about offensive line

New offensive coordinator bringing in veterans with hopes of improving front.

Stanwood High School football coach Jeff Scoma talks with the referees during the 3A quarterfinal game against Odea on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022 in Seattle, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Former Stanwood football coach lands new Gig

Jeff Scoma, who resigned midseason in 2024, will coach Gig Harbor H.S. next season.

Mariners among biggest offseason losers

Juan Soto, LA Dodgers are among winners as baseball begins.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.