UC Davis Long Balls Helps Defeat USC 78-69

Story by L.T.Willis

UC Davis's #13 Cortney French and USC's #23 Brianna Barrett.
Photo by William Johnson/T.G.Sports.

Last night USC (3-6) didn't improve their record after letting UC Davis ( 4-4) come into the Galen Center, and shoot the lights out behind the 3 point arc, and beat them 78-69. UC Davis's Cortney French in the first half was on fire shooting 3 of 5 from 3 point range, along with Sydnee Fipps 2 of 2 from 3 point range. Despite the great shooting from way out, USC's defense keep them close in the first half from being blown out.

The Lady Trojans had a size difference over The Aggies, yet didn't establish any type of post game, and relied on jump shoots to keep them in the game. The Trojans were trying to aggressive as point guard Brianna Barrett was forcing the action, attacking the rim, and forward Kate Oliver was getting some easy put backs.

USC's #14 Ariya Crook. Photo by William Johnson/
T.G.Sports.

The Aggies were 7 for 15 from 3 point range 46.7%, while the Trojans shot 3 for 9 from 3 point range 33.3% yet trail at the half  34-31 due to the turnovers that were committed by the Aggies late in the first half, the score could have been a lost worst for Trojans. In the second half the Trojans continue to stay in a zone, and their rotation to the out side perimeter shooters for the Aggies, they continue to make them pay from outside.

UC Davis had to build a 17 point lead with 10:58 left in the second half, before USC finally decided to go man to man to get back in the game, after the damage was being done by the Aggies' Courtney French was 5 for 9 from 3 point range, Blair Shinoda was 3 for 4 from 3 point range, and Sydnee Fipps was 3 for 3 from 3 point range, was too much for USC to over come.

USC's #00 Christina Marinacci hustling for a loose ball.
 Photo by William Johnson/T.G.Sports.

The Trojans defense after going man to man was forcing the Aggies to drive more to basket, instead of shooting from the outside, was going to free throw line, but begin to miss their free throws, allow to the Trojans to creep back, but poor ball decisions and miss layups and shots, The Trojans had a chance to steal the game back, but just didn't play smart, and  UC Davis held on to beat USC 86-69.

The Aggies  were 7 for 11 from 3 point range 63.6% in the second half was the key to their victory, as the Trojans allow too much outside shooting, and the game slipped away. The Trojans shot 4 for 12 from 3 point range 33.3%. The Trojans' Ariya Crook led the way with 18 points, Cassie Harberts and  Brianna Barrett both had 10 points, and Kate Oliver and Kiki Alofaituli finish with 8 points.

The Aggies'  Sydnee Fipps had 22 points, Cortney French 20 points, Blair Shinoda 13 points and Celia Marfone finish with 10 points. Other key factors of the game The Aggies' bench out score the Trojans 29 to 13, and second chance points 19 to 9.