WOMEN: A BOARD BEATING USC WOMEN TOO STRONG FOR CSUN USC 96, CSUN 54.

Byline: Jill Painter Staff Writer

USC got exactly what it needed. The Cal State Northridge women's basketball team didn't exactly get anything at all.

The Trojans dominated every aspect of the game in a 96-54 victory over the winless Matadors on Tuesday in front of 1,182 at the Sports Arena.

The Trojans (3-4) took control early thanks to their work on the boards. USC had countless two- and three-shot possessions, enabling it to build a 71-31 lead midway through the second half. USC outrebounded CSUN 46-24.

``We've talked a lot about team identity, and (rebounding) is a huge part of our team identity,'' USC coach Chris Gobrecht said. ``There are certain things we have to do to put points on the board because we're never going to be an awesome halfcourt team.

``But we can offensive rebound with you, we can transition and we can force turnovers and get the easy buckets off that.''

USC sophomore guard Aisha Hollans had a game-high 24 points along with nine rebounds, and Ebony Hoffman added 18 points and 10 rebounds. Reserve freshman forward Rachel Woodward had 17 points and 10 rebounds.

``We needed this win and we needed to be back at home,'' Hollans said. ``We needed to go out and have fun. We needed this game.''

It was a confidence-boosting win for USC after two losses, and it came just in time. The Trojans play Sunday at No. 23 Notre Dame, the defending national champion.

But it was not at all what CSUN (0-5) needed. The Matadors are in the middle of an eight-game trip, which includes a Dec. 27 matchup at Connecticut.

The Matadors played sloppy as evidenced by 34 turnovers, including 19 in the second half. CSUN quickly hurried the few shots it had - although it took just 10 in the first half - thanks to turnovers and a stifling USC defense.

CSUN had just 12 defensive rebounds and USC had 22 offensive boards for the game.

``Rebounding has been an ongoing problem for us,'' said CSUN forward Jenny Shetters, who had a team-high 14 points with three rebounds. ``You have to have heart to rebound and we didn't have it (Tuesday).''

The Matadors also were without an assistant coach. CSUN coach Frozena Jerro hired three new assistants this season but already has another opening. Denise Woods, who was in her first coaching position, left the team last Wednesday to become a member of the Vienna (Austria) professional women's basketball team.

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Photo:

USC's Aisha Hollans, front, tries to keep the ball from CSUN's Kisha Shephard on Tuesday during the Trojans' win.

John Lazar/Staff Photographer