Women of Troy Prepare For Big East Opponents
December 22, 1999 | Women's Basketball
Dec. 22, 1999
The Facts -- It's Big East week in Troy as USC prepares for its most challenging road trip of the season. Coming off a 77-53 loss at No. 23 UC Santa Barbara (Dec. 21), the Women of Troy must spend the holidays preparing for their next two ranked opponents, No. 12 Notre Dame and No. 15 Rutgers. USC will play the Fighting Irish on Monday, Dec. 27 at 7 p.m. EST, then travel to Piscataway, NJ, to face the Scarlet Knights on Thursday, Dec. 30 at 2 p.m. EST.
Catch The Trojans On the Web -- Each of the two upcoming games will be broadcast live via the internet. Against Notre Dame, log on to http://www.und.com to listen to the WJVA 1580 AM broadcast in South Bend, Ind. Against Rutgers, log on to http://athletics.rutgers.edu and click on "Athletics Web Cast" to catch the game.
USC News & Notes -- 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)... USC will face three defending conference champions this season prior to conference play, including Texas Tech (Big XII), UC Santa Barbara (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.
Thank The Defense -- Though the offense has not been able to reach the 50-percent mark this season, USC's defense continues to produce. The Trojans have held their foes to 57.9 points per game - a mark which is tops in the Pac-10 and ranks 15th nationally. The team also ranks third among conference leaders in turnover margin, forcing an average 3.29 more turnovers per game.
USC Against Ranked Opponents -- 12th-ranked Notre Dame and 15th-ranked Rutgers will be the Trojans' third and fourth ranked opponents of the season. On November 29, Troy nearly defeated No. 7 Texas Tech. After leading the entire game, USC allowed the Red Raiders to tie the score with 1:44 remaining, then lost on a two-point buzzer-beater. Troy's performance against UCSB was not nearly as strong, falling to the Gauchos last Tuesday (Dec. 21). The Trojans will face three ranked opponents in conference play, No. 6 UCLA, No. 14 Arizona and No. 19 Oregon.
Notes On Notre Dame -- The Fighting Irish are coming off two victories against Florida International (Dec. 19), 68-62, and Michigan State (Dec. 11), 84-54. With a 6-2 record, 12th-ranked Notre Dame has only played two games at home this season, winning both. The team averages 76.1 points per game and a 51.1 shooting percentage. After scoring 27 points for the second time this season against Florida International, freshman guard Alicia Ratay was named Big East Rookie of the Week. She is currently the team?s leading scorer with a 16.5 points per game average and 16 total steals this season. The team is led by 13-year head coach Muffet McGraw who last season led Notre Dame to a 26-5 overall record and NCAA berth.
USC-Notre Dame Series Record -- Despite the long standing football rivalry between the Trojans and Fighting Irish, these two women's basketball teams have only face each other once in program history. USC defeated Notre Dame, 69-53, on January 2, 1984. The game was played at Cal State Fullerton.
Notes On Rutgers -- Riding a three-game win streak, USC is Rutgers' (6-2) next opponent after the holidays. On Tuesday (Dec. 21), the 15th-ranked Scarlet Knights defeated 6th-ranked UCLA, 72-46, at home. Rutgers, sixth nationally in scoring defense allowing only 54.6 points per game, kept the Bruins in check while adding to its margin from the foul line. Rutgers was 8-of-10 at the line in the last five minutes while holding UCLA scoreless. The team was led by senior guard Shawnetta Stewart who scored 28 points, pulled down 12 boards and added six assists in the victory. Stewart currently leads the squad averaging 13.6 points and 7.3 rebounds per contest. Last season, the Scarlet Knights tied for first place in the Big East (29-6/17-1) and advanced to the NCAA Elite Eight.
USC-Rutgers Series Record -- The upcoming game will be the sixth meeting between these two programs. Rutgers owns the advantage with a 3-2 series record. The last time the teams met was on December 28, 1997 at the Pac-10/Big East Challenge. The Scarlet Knights defeated Troy, 77-59. USC earned its two wins in 1982-83 and 1983-84, the Trojans two national championship seasons.
Still Experimenting -- Eight games into the 1999-2000 season, Head Coach Chris Gobrecht is still experimenting with Trojans' starting lineup. There have been five different lineup combinations since the start of the.
Youth Finding Pac-10 Success -- Between the seven newcomers on the USC roster, three remain among top conference leaders. Redshirt transfer Denise Woods ranks third in blocks (1.86 bpg) and 14th in rebounds (6.0 rpg). Redshirt transfer Danielle Golay ranks 6th in field goal percentage (55.3), 12th in scoring (12.7 ppg) and 13th in rebounds (6.4 rpg). Transfer Ayeshia Smith ranks 7th in assists (3.71 apg).
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.
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."
Mashia is Back -- After missing the last three seasons due to injuries, senior guard Erica Mashia is finally ready to see some playing time. 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. So far this season she has tied a career-best mark with five three-pointers against San Diego State (Dec. 4) and made her first start in three seasons on December 19 against Baylor.
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... and she did just that. 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.
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 356-241 (.596) 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 143-74 (.659) mark, and she ranks 37th among active Division I coaches with 356 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.
GAME #8 - No. 23 UC Santa Barbara (Dec. 21) -- The Trojans fell to the Gauchos, 77-53 at the Thunderdome, despite playing an aggressive game. USC's woes were a result of poor shooting from the start. UC Santa Barbara shot 58 percent (30-of-51) from the floor, compared to 26 percent (17-of-65) by the Women of Troy, including just 1-of-16 from 3-point range. The Gauchos led 31-25 at halftime and ran off a 9-0 string to take command at the start of the second half. Danielle Golay led the team with 17 points and seven rebounds, and Tiffany Elmore had 12 points.
GAME #7 - Baylor (Dec. 19) -- USC defeated Baylor, 71-53, as the team shot nearly 50 percent in the game and four players posted season-high performances. Utilizing the fifth-different starting lineup combination of the season, the Women of Troy were led by Danielle Golay (19 points), Carmen Krause (11 points), Tiffany Elmore (14 points) and Tashara Carter (14 points, 6 assists). USC opened the game with a 11-4 lead (14:42), but allowed the Lady Bears to add the following eight points. With 6:23 remaining in the first half, Baylor would lead for the last time in the game, 20-19. The Trojans entered the half with a 13-point advantage after out-scoring the Lady Bears, 15-4 in the final four minutes. The Women of Troy led by as many as 24 points in the second half and did not allow Baylor within 12 points for the final victory.
GAME #6 - Sacramento State (Dec. 11) -- USC defeated Sacramento State 84-42, holding the Hornets to 28.8 percent shooting, and the ninth-fewest points by a USC opponent in program history. Troy had three players finish in double-figures, including Danielle Golay (12 points), Tashara Carter (11 points) and Lauren Smith-Hams (11 points). The Trojans began the game on a 12-0 run in just the first three minutes of play. After posting their first eight points in the contest, the Hornets were held scoreless for 6-minutes, 12-seconds. A layup by Golay at the buzzer gave USC a 27-point advantage, to enter halftime with a 46-19 lead. In the second half, Sacramento State was unable to reduce the margin, as the team?s first field goal came after eight minutes of play. Troy led by as many as 51 points with 3:20 remaining on the clock.
GAME #5 - at Long Beach State (Dec. 8) -- USC shot a season-low 28.8 percent from the field in a 62-49 defeat at the hands of Long Beach State at The Pyramid. The Trojans gained the advantage early in the second half, but lost control after taking a 35-30 lead with 17:20 to play. Troy allowed Long Beach State to embark on a 18-2 run that didn't end until Erica Mashia hit a three-pointer with 10:40 on the clock. Tiffany Elmore (11 points, 4-of-14) was Troy?s only player to score in double figures. She posted a team-leading eight rebounds, three steals and three blocks, but was responsible for seven of 22 USC turnovers. The Trojans sent Long Beach State to the line 13 times in the game, allowing the 49ers to hit 15-of-24 shots (62.5%). In comparison, USC only had nine free throw attempts, converting eight.
GAME #4 - at San Diego State (Dec. 4) -- Erica Mashia (15 pts.) hit 5-of-8 from three-point range, and Danielle Golay posted 16 points to lead USC in a 72-60 victory over San Diego State at Cox Arena. The Women of Troy led by as many as 19 points in the first half, entering halftime with a 36-23 lead. Troy forced 16 turnovers in the first 20 minutes, and converted eight for points. The second half began with a 26-12 USC run, holding SDSU scoreless for four minutes before two consecutive USC fouls sent the Aztecs to the line at 8:56. San Diego State made 13 free throws in the following eight minutes, bringing the team within 12 points, its closest margin since early in the first half. Troy hit 30-70 from the field, and held SDSU to only 18 field goals in the 72-60 defeat.
GAME #3 - Texas Tech (Nov. 29) -- Despite season-high performances from Denise Woods (19 points, 8-11, 8 rebounds) and Danielle Golay (14 points), USC fell to 17th-ranked Texas Tech, 66-63, in overtime. The last time Troy played overtime minutes in a game was on December 29, 1996 in a loss to Western Kentucky (85-82). The Trojans led by as many as nine points in the first half, entering halftime with a 33-21 lead. USC maintained the lead through the second half until two Trojan turnovers led to fouls, sending Texas Tech to the line to bring the score within two points, 55-53. A layup by Planette Pierson tied the score with 1:44 remaining on the clock. Following a layup by Woods, another shot by Pierson tied the score 57-57 at the buzzer to send the game into overtime. The Lady Raiders made 4-of-7 shots in the extra session and out-scored the Women of Troy, 9-6. USC was just 1-of-7 in overtime.
GAME #2 - Creighton (Nov. 26) -- Thanks to a last-minute layup from Denise Woods who shot 80 percent in the game (4-5), USC earned its first home victory of the season over Creighton, 61-56. The Women of Troy had three players finish in double figures, including forward Tashara Carter who led the team with 13 points. Guard Ayeshia Smith added 12 points and forward Danielle Golay posted three steals, nine rebounds and 10 points after hitting 4-of-4 from the line. USC was unable to gain a lead in the first half as the Bluejays embarked on a 27-12 run just two minutes into the game. With four minutes left in the half, the Trojans hit three consecutive jumpers and forced two turnovers to bring the score within three, 30-27. A three-pointer by Smith at the start of the second half gave Troy its first lead of the game, 32-30. Despite maintaining the narrow lead, a USC turnover at 1:18 allowed Jay?s guard Krissie Spanhiemer to tie the score, 56-56. A layup by Woods gave USC a two-point edge and secured the win for the Trojans with 0:41 left in the game.
GAME #1 - at Portland (Nov. 23) -- Led by Ayeshia Smith's 11 points and seven assists, USC earned its first victory of the season over Portland, 59-47. With the win, the Women of Troy break a six-game losing streak with which they ended the 1998-99 season. Troy led by as many as 16 points four times in the contest, never allowing the Pilots to come within seven points after the first five minutes of play.
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 8 games and made 8 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 6 rebounds against UCSB (Dec. 21)... Fouled out against Gauchos.
#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 8 games... Hit 5-of-6 at the line against Baylor (Dec. 19).
#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 8 games and made 2 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.
#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 7 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).
#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 8 games and made 5 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).
#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 7 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 4 rebounds... Went 5-of-6 at the line, grabbed seven rebounds and forced two turnovers against UCSB (Dec. 21) - all season highs.
#15 Lauren Smith-Hams Guard, 5-7, Freshman, Los Altos, CA (Pinewood) The daughter of one of the co-founders of the American Basketball League, Smith-Hams was an all-league first team four-year selection as a prep. This season... Has played in 8 games and made 2 start... 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.
#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 7 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).
#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 4 games... Tallied her first field goal of the season with a three-point shot against Sac State (Dec. 11).
#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 8 games and made 8 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).
#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 sat-out during first 8 games.
#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 7 games and made 3 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).
#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 8 games and made 8 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).
