USF Women Win Second Straight WCC Game, 65-51 Over Portland :: Dominique Carter and Necolia Simmons each score 20 as the Dons Roll

Jan. 17, 2008

USF Women Win Second Straight WCC Game, 65-51 Over Portland Dominique Carter and Necolia Simmons each score 20 as the Dons Roll

(San Francisco) - With 20 points each, senior guard Dominique Carter and junior center Necolia Simmons scored more than half of the University of San Francisco's points in a 65-51 win against Portland in West Coast Conference play Tuesday night at War Memorial Gym. The Dons (11-6, 2-0 WCC) remain unbeaten in league play at the expense of the Pilots (11-7, 1-2 WCC).

Sophomore forward Heidi Heintz put the Dons on the board first with a layup five seconds into the first half, before the Pilots went on an 8-0 run. USF bounced back and took the lead with an 11-0 run of their own. After both teams tied the score at 13-13, the Dons scored two and didn't relinquish the lead.

USF shot .444 (24-54) from the floor and impressively held the Pilots to .316 (18-57) for the game. The Dons held a dominating 45-25 rebound advantage, including 14-8 on the offensive glass. San Francisco dished out 15 assists on the night and every player who checked in scored at least one point and pulled down at least one rebound.

Carter earned her fifth double-double of the season, finishing with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Simmons registered her second straight 20-point night in WCC play and is now averaging 21.3 points per game in league. Senior guard Nykia Peace also enjoyed a strong night for the Dons with eight points, nine rebounds and a game-high six assists.

Portland held an edge from 3-point range converting on 5-of-15 (.333). The Pilots shot .769 (10-13) from the free-throw line, while the Dons came in at .708 (17-24) at the stripe. Sophomore guard Laiken Dollente led the Pilots with 13 points and five rebounds.

USF continues league play at home Saturday when it squares off against defending WCC champion Gonzaga. Tip off against the Bulldogs is set for 2.00 PM at War Memorial Gym.

GAME NOTES: With tonight's win, the Dons start WCC play at 2-0 for the first time since 2001, when they beat Gonzaga, Portland, and San Diego... the double-double for Carter is the ninth of her career... it is Carter's 29th career game with 20 or more points... in two conference game, USF is limiting opponents to 56.5 points per game.