USC Rolls to NCAA Bid

USC demolished Washington State, 101-59, before 776 at the Lyon Center on Thursday night, clinching a bid to the women’s NCAA tournament.

The Trojans’ Naismith Award candidate, Tina Thompson, entered the game tied for the Pacific 10 Conference scoring lead at 22.1 with Stanford’s Kate Starbird.

Thompson moved ahead, scoring 21 by halftime and finishing with 29 in 25 minutes, while Starbird was held to 15 in Stanford’s victory at Arizona.

USC, 19-7 overall and 13-4 in the Pac-10 going into Saturday’s league finale with Washington, overwhelmed Washington State (4-13, 10-16) early with dynamic play by Thompson and sophomore guard Kristin Clark’s six three-point baskets.