Jan. 29, 2004

Despite a spirited second half comeback in which San Diego led by as many as six, USD was defeated 75-63 by host Portland Thursday night. Torero senior center Marta Menuez posted her third straight double-double, scoring 17 points and clearing 11 rebounds. Sophomore guard Lindsay Helvey hit a trio of three-point baskets and finished with 11 points in the losing effort. San Diego (6-13; 1-5 WCC) will next face Gonzaga in Spokane, Saturday night at 7pm.

Portland (8-11; 3-3) held a 32-27 halftime lead but USD went on a 21-10 run after the break to lead 48-42 at the 16 minute mark. Portland's balanced offensive attack was too much for USD, with four Pilot players reaching double figures in scoring. Cecily O'Rielly-Williams scored 14 points and grabbed 8 rebounds to help Portland even its league record at 3-3. Sophomore transfer Lauren Himmelspach also scored 14, connecting on 6-of-10 from the free-throw line.

Portland forced San Diego to turn the ball over 28 times Thursday. The Toreros went without the services of point guard Polly Dong for the majority of the second half after Dong was whistled for her fifth foul with 9:25 remaining. Sophomore classmate's Tiara Harris and Brandi Collato scored 12 and 11 points respectively for USD.