March 5, 2004

Box Score

(Santa Clara, CA) - The USD women's basketball team battled No. 4 seed Portland tough but came away with a 76-64 loss to the Pilots. San Diego, which was paced by senior center Marta Menuez with 25 points and 12 rebounds, close out their season with a final record of 7-22. On Thursday USD became the first No. 8 seed to advance in the tourney with their 87-81 double overtime win over Saint Mary's. Menuez closes out her Torero career as the program's 2nd all-time scorer (1,233 points) and 5th all-time rebounder (614).

The Toreros played a solid first half jumping out to a 20-10 lead at the 11:36 mark. USD would then turn the ball over on six of their seven possessions that allowed the Pilots to get back in the game. UP closed to within three points at 30-27 at intermission. Marta had 11 points and 8 rebounds at the break.

The Pilots, who beat USD twice during the regular-season, came out hot in the 2nd half with a 14-0 run that the Toreros were unable to overcome. The Toreros would get within four points at 50-46 with 10:11 to go on a jumper by Jaime Corwin, but Portland would close out the game outscoring USD 26-18.

"That was a tough one," said USD head coach Kathy Marpe. "We ran out of gas and had some shots and free throws fall short. There were two key runs in the game that worked against us. We're a better team if we stay close with our opponent."

Menueuz was the lone Torero to reach double digits with 25 points. On the other hand, Portland had five players reach double digits with Lauren Himmelspach leading the way with 18 points. Portland made 8-of-17 three-pointers for the game with 6-of-9 shooting in the 2nd half.