by Drew Welsh

LOS ANGELES --- Biola University's women's basketball team stayed close for a half, but ultimately NCAA Division I University of Southern California's Women of Troy were too much, prevailinh 93-66 in Tuesday night's exhibition game at the Galen Center in Los Angeles.

Senior forwards Jessilyn Conicelli and Jennifer French led the Eagles with 13 points apiece. Sophomore guard Becca DeVere chipped in with nine, while junior guard Lauren Gustafson had eight.

The game looked to be a blowout early, with Southern Cal taking a quick 15-6 lead to start. However after calming down, Biola fought back to a tie 24-24 with eight minutes left in the period. USC then used a 20-11 run to finish the half, leading 44-33 at the break.

The Trojans slammed the door quickly after the break, extending their lead to 19 with sixteen minutes left in the game. A jumper by Conicelli at 11:55 cut the lead to 62-45, but the Eagles would get no closer.
Biola was outscored 49-33 in the second half.

For the Women of Troy, senior center Kari LaPlante led all scorers with 20 points. Sophomore Christina Marinacci contributed 17 to the cause.

USC held a decisive 41-24 edge in rebounding and forced 25 Biola turnovers leading to 27 points by the Trojans. USC also outscored the Eagles 46-20 in the paint, something Biola is used to doing to the other side.

The Eagles return to the court in their home opener against Whittier College on Monday, November 15 at 7:00 p.m.