Alissa Pili’s big performance conquers Washington State

It was the Alissa Pili show in Pullman, Wash., as she led USC to its sixth Pac-12 win. The freshman forward recorded a career-high 32 points, helping the Trojans defeat the Cougars 66-60.

Pili also earned her 10th double-double of the season, ending the night with 12 rebounds. This game marks Pili’s 12th-straight game recording double-digit scoring.

It was a night of career-highs offensively and defensively for the Trojans. In addition to Pili’s strong performance, freshman guard Kyra White recorded a career-high eight points and senior forward Kayla Overbeck earned a career-high five steals for the Trojans.

USC’s late first-quarter push quieted the home crowd as a 6-0 USC run turned into a 21-9 lead. During USC’s run, the Trojans held the Cougars to only three points in the last six minutes of the first quarter.

Pili’s unstoppable dynamic continued to show its strength in the second quarter as she nailed shots from all around the court. Pili ended the first half with 20 points, resulting in an 18-point Trojan lead.

The Cougars, who didn’t give up behind their home crowd, started off the second half strong. Freshman center Bella Murekatete was a force in the paint earning her 11 points in the third quarter while sophomore guard Cherilyn Molina hit a buzzer-beating 3-pointer.

Molina stayed hot throughout the game leading the Cougars with 23 points. Molina hit clutch 3-pointers to bring the Cougars within reach in the fourth quarter. Washington State was able to trim USC’s lead to five points late in the fourth quarter, but the Trojan defense and Pili’s aggressive play were ultimately able to shut down the Cougars.

A collective effort from the Trojan defense helped secure its victory. Overbeck and Pili crashed the boards throughout the game out-rebounding the Cougars 40-31.

Pili has been an unparalleled force for the Trojans. Her play attracted the attention of USC athletic director Mike Bohn, who wrote online, “Freshman @Alissa_Pili is a great building block for the future of this program. Love watching her dominate.”

Pili looks to continue her impressive career on Friday at the Galen Center when the Trojans take on Utah at 6 p.m.