The Trojans failed to continue their three-game win streak in a 66-56 road loss to the Colorado Buffaloes in Boulder Friday evening.
The Women of Troy got off to a hot start, ending the first quarter with 21 points and leading by nine. Colorado appeared to loosen up with an 8-0 run late in the second quarter, cutting USC’s lead to just three points at the half.
Beyond the first quarter, it appeared the Trojans were tired and error-prone. Despite their quick start, they were outscored by the Buffaloes 18-12, 17-14 and 19-9 in the final three quarters. With four personal fouls each from junior guard Desiree Caldwell and sophomore guard Endyia Rogers, the Buffaloes were able to score 14 total points from the free throw line.
“I thought we played a really good first quarter and a half against their player defense,” head coach Mark Trakh said. “We really struggled against the zone, I think that’s what turned the game around.”
Sophomore forward Alissa Pili led the team in scoring with 12 points. She also recorded four steals and seven rebounds. Caldwell had five points, seven assists and a steal.
Colorado’s momentum was seemingly unaffected by the halftime break, with the team scoring 17 points in the third quarter to tie the game. Within the first minute of the fourth, Colorado took the lead for the first time since early in the first quarter. They held onto this lead for the rest of the game, in part thanks to USC shooting 36% from the field in the second half.
For the Buffaloes, senior forward Mya Hollingshed went 7-for-12 from the field for 18 points and six rebounds. Freshman guard Frida Formann also shined with 17 points, four rebounds and four assists. Another heavy contribution came from junior guard Lesila Finau who recorded eight points, eight rebounds and four assists.
Ultimately, USC’s opening quarter was not enough to keep it afloat. The Trojans’ success beyond the 3-point line dropped from 40% in the first quarter to just 10% in the second half. In contrast, Colorado improved from 33% from the field in the first quarter to 48% in the second half.
Looking forward, the team will prepare for its opponents to bring on a zone defense. Coach Trakh is anticipating future opponents will take advantage of this apparent weakness and will work with his team on attacking the zone.
USC’s road trip will continue against Utah on Sunday at 3 p.m. PST.