Jan. 8, 2005

Final Stats

(San Francisco) - USF senior guard Toni Russell set the West Coast Conference steals record and San Francisco broke through for a satisfying 63-48 victory against Pepperdine on a stormy Saturday afternoon at War Memorial Gym. Four players reached double-figures for the Dons (7-8, 1-1 WCC), who toppled the Waves (5-10, 1-1 WCC) for their first league victory of the season.

Russell collected the landmark steal in typical fashion stripping Pepperdine's Syreeta Stafford at the 19:33 mark in the first half. The San Francisco native entered the contest tied with Portland standout Deana Lansing (1993-97) at 318. Russell finished with eight points, six rebounds a pair of assists and four steals.

Freshman guard Dominique Carter led the way offensively with a team-high 16 points, connecting on 6-of-13 from the field, while senior center Leeane Jensen added 11 points and six rebounds off the bench. Sophomore guard Jennifer Katsuyama had a strong game as well, scoring 10 points to go along with seven assists and two steals in 31 minutes of action.

It was a tale of two halves for senior center Mary Jane Krueger, who was held scoreless and without a rebound in the first half, but exploded for 10 points and 12 rebounds in the second half. For Krueger it was her 22nd career double-double night.

San Francisco put together a strong first half, taking a 33-22 lead at the intermission, converting on .520 (13-25) from the field and forced 14 first half turnovers by the Waves. USF got off to a slow start in the second half, scoring just five points in the first 10:30 of the second half as Pepperdine closed to four, 38-35 with 9:28 left. San Francisco rallied from there and built a 17 point lead with 0:20 left on a Krueger lay-up.

USF shot .451 (23-51) from the field, while the Waves connected on .352 (19-54). Pepperdine held a 36-35 rebound edge.

Senior forward Jennifer Lacy scored a game-high 21 points and added seven rebounds, while Stafford finished with nine points for Pepperdine.

USF returns to WCC action Saturday January 15 when the travel to San Diego for a contest against the Toreros. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:00 PM at the Jenny Craig Pavilion.