USC
Oregon
Buzzer-Beater Gives USC Win Over Oregon
January 27, 2000 | Women's Basketball
Jan. 27, 2000
Los Angeles, Calif. -- USC's Tiffany Elmore grabbed an offensive bound and hit a two-point buzzer-beater to give the Women of Troy a 74-73 victory over Oregon. Tonight's win, in front of 534 at the Los Angeles Sports Arena, breaks a five-game USC losing streak against the Ducks.
The Women of Troy improve to 8-8 overall and 3-3 in the Pac-10, while Oregon drops to 13-5 and 4-2 in conference play.
Elmore's 13 points in the contest was only surpassed by junior forward Tashara Carter who led USC with 20. Forward Danielle Golay and center Denise Woods each added 11 in the game. Woods, who currently ranks 29th nationally in block average, posted an additional three blocks against the Ducks. USC matched Oregon's 30 boards and 11 assists, and displayed one of its best shooting performances with a 48.2 field goal percentage.
Oregon had five players finish in double figures. Guard Shaquala Williams led the squad with 21 points (7-15) and five assists. Angelina Wolvert, Jenny Mowe and Brianne Meharry each added 11 points in the effort.
USC, who held onto a lead since the 12-minute mark in the first half, entered the break with a 40-35 advantage. Not uncommon for the Trojans, this is the 10th time this season they have led at the half. Returning to the court, the Women of Troy led by as much as 10 points with 7:26 remaining in the game. With four consecutive USC fouls and a turnover, Oregon began to break away at the score, hitting 3-of-6 at the line and three-straight field goals. The Ducks took their first lead at 2:58 (66-65). As the team's alternated with the lead, Oregon regained the advantage, 73-72, off a free throw by Williams with :12 left. After the Trojans inbounded the ball, Erica Mashia missed a 13-footer which led to a rebound by Elmore and buzzer-beating jumper for a USC victory.
"This team has needed a break-through victory like that," said USC head coach Chris Gobrecht. "We worked hard the entire game and I knew that as long as we were in it, we had a chance."
USC returns on Saturday, Jan. 29, to face Oregon State at the Sports Arena. The game is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m.
