The Huskies, behind the hot shooting of the Pacific-10Conference’s Player of the Year, edged out USC, 64-63, in thefirst game Saturday at the HP Pavilion.
Giuliana Mendiola led Washington with 29 points as the Huskiesheld off a strong shooting day from the Trojans. USC shot 45percent from the field, and came up just short in the finalminutes.
The game’s lead changed 10 times in the second half, and nevergot to be more than four points in the final eight minutes. USCled the game as late as 1:29 in the second half, but Mendiolaand senior Loree Payne iced the game for Washington down thestretch.
Meghan Gnekow made a layup with one second left, but USC was notable to overcome Washington’s offensive firepower. The Huskieswill play Arizona Sunday at 12:30 p.m.
The second game of the day at the Pac-10 Tournament did notprovide the same fireworks as the first. The Wildcats easilydefeated Oregon State, 70-56, before 2,178 spectators.
Krista Warren had 20 points for Arizona and freshman ShawntinicePolk had 13 rebounds in the win.
“I think anytime you are in a tournament, sometimes the firstwin is the toughest, mentally, so this was a good win because(Oregon State) is very scrappy and they play hard,” Arizona headcoach Joan Bonvicini said.
Jessica Jones and Michelle Smith both scored 12 points for theBeavers in the loss. Arizona goes on to play Washington Sundayat 12:30 p.m.
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