Irish Pick Apart USC

Notre Dame’s defense turned up the pressure on USC and came away with a 73-62 women’s basketball victory Monday at South Bend, Ind.

The Trojans (3-5) made 15 of their 24 turnovers in the first half, when they sank only 26.9% (seven of 26) of their shots. The Fighting Irish (5-4) led, 36-18, at halftime. Jacqueline Batteast’s 20 points led Notre Dame. Meghan Gnekow’s career-high 20 points led USC, which opens Pacific 10 play against UCLA on Sunday at the Sports Arena.

No. 17 Louisiana State 68, Temple 52 -- Seimone Augustus’ 19 points led the Tigers (9-2) over the Owls (3-4) at Baton Rouge, La. Doneeka Hodges, who had 17 points and eight rebounds, was carried off the floor with 1:42 left when she slipped and hurt her left ankle.

From Times Wire Services