SEATTLE – The Washington State women's basketball team (14-16, 5-13 Pac-12) fell to the University of Southern California, 77-73, in the opening round of the 2016 Pac-12 Women's Basketball Tournament, Thursday, at KeyArena. The Trojans (19-12, 6-12) erased a three-point halftime deficit before securing victory in the final 90 seconds. WSU freshman Borislava Hristova led the Cougars in scoring with a game-high 24 points and notched a career-high four assists and four steals.

“Tonight's result was reminiscent of how the season has been,” WSU Head Coach June Daugherty said. “All the tight ball games and last possessions. Unfortunately, we came out on the short end tonight. It is what it is and I can't praise our four seniors enough for how much they've improved – for how they've taken this program and made it competitive in their time here.”

In a game that featured 19 lead changes and 13 ties, the Cougars were unable to hold on to their slim halftime lead. With the game tied at 70 and 86 seconds left to play, USC's Sadie Edwards buried a jump shot, giving the Trojans the final lead. Hristova had a chance to tie the game as she was fouled while making a layup with 20 seconds left, but her free throw rimmed out. WSU went 1-of-5 from the free throw line in the final 33 seconds, while USC went 5-of-6 from the stripe.

WSU's bench players outscored the Trojans' 32-8 in the contest, led by senior Taylor Edmondson. Edmondson added 12 points for the Cougars, while sophomore Louise Brown added 10 points. Senior Dawnyelle Awa scored nine points, including eight first-half points.

The Trojans outrebounded WSU, 43-26, led by senior Temi Fagbenle with 17 rebounds and 18 points. USC benefited from 17 offensive rebounds with 23 second-chance points to WSU's seven. The Cougars played well defensively, forcing USC into 20 turnovers, with 11 steals in the game. WSU held USC to .466 (27-of-58) from the floor, while shooting .483 (29-of-60) itself.

“I've been very, very fortunate to have four seniors in this program, who have led this young group,” Daugherty said. “They have led them through the ups and downs and last-possession games that we've gone through. I think it speaks values to their character as people. They've improved so much in this program. They've led this program to two postseason berths and really helped up grow our program. I can't say enough about these

With their exit from the Pac-12 Tournament, the Cougars' 2015-16 regular season comes to a conclusion. In their time at WSU's four seniors have played over 8,000 minutes in Cougar uniform.