LAS VEGAS — The No. 2-seeded BYU women’s basketball team came here feeling that it needs to capture the West Coast Conference Tournament championship to earn a berth in the NCAA Tournament.
And in Monday’s semifinal matchup with No. 3 San Francisco at Orleans Arena, the Cougars played like it.
“I told my players today, ‘We’ve just got to go win it and don’t worry about it,’” said BYU coach Jeff Judkins. “Just win it.”
The Cougars (18-4) overcame a seven-point first quarter deficit and exploded with a 29-3 run to take over the game en route to a dominating 85-55 victory over the Dons.
Along the way, BYU avenged a 14-point loss in its regular-season finale at USF a little more than a week ago.
BYU will meet top-seed Gonzaga in the WCC Tournament title game Tuesday (2 p.m., MST, ESPNU). The Zags defeated No. 4 Santa Clara in the first semifinal Monday, 72-62.
Cougar guard Paisley Harding scored a game-high 23 points Monday, including four 3-pointers, and had seven rebounds.
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BYU Cougars guard Paisley Johnson Harding (13) celebrates during a timeout after a three point shot by teammate BYU Cougars guard Tegan Graham (10) as BYU and San Francisco play in semifinal West Coast Conference tournament basketball action at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas on Monday, March 8, 2021. BYU won 85-55 to advance to the finals against Gonzaga.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars forward Tahlia White (21) rips a rebound away from San Francisco Dons guard Kia Vaalavirta (2) as they play in semifinal West Coast Conference tournament basketball action at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas on Monday, March 8, 2021. BYU won 85-55 to advance to the finals against Gonzaga.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars forward Malli Perri (15) is whistled for a foul as she and teammate BYU Cougars forward Kyra Beckman (34) defend San Francisco Dons forward Jumoke Adaramoye (35) as BYU and San Francisco play in semifinal West Coast Conference tournament basketball action at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas on Monday, March 8, 2021. BYU won 85-55 to advance to the finals against Gonzaga.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU’s bench celebrate after a shot as they and San Francisco play in semifinal West Coast Conference tournament basketball action at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas on Monday, March 8, 2021. BYU won 85-55 to advance to the finals against Gonzaga.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars guard Paisley Johnson Harding (13) goes up for a shot as BYU and San Francisco play in semifinal West Coast Conference tournament basketball action at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas on Monday, March 8, 2021.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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San Francisco Dons forward Lucija Kostic (24) takes the ball away from BYU Cougars forward Kayla Belles-Lee (42) as BYU and San Francisco play in semifinal West Coast Conference tournament basketball action at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas on Monday, March 8, 2021. BYU won 85-55 to advance to the finals against Gonzaga.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars forward Kayla Belles-Lee (42) gets a rebound from San Francisco Dons forward Lucija Kostic (24) as BYU and San Francisco play in semifinal West Coast Conference tournament basketball action at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas on Monday, March 8, 2021. BYU won 85-55 to advance to the finals against Gonzaga.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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San Francisco Dons guard Marianna Klavina (4) puts up a shot over BYU Cougars forward Malli Perri (15) as BYU and San Francisco play in semifinal West Coast Conference tournament basketball action at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas on Monday, March 8, 2021. BYU won 85-55 to advance to the finals against Gonzaga.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars forward Lauren Gustin (12) gets the pass on scores on San Francisco Dons guard Lucie Hoskova (13) as BYU and San Francisco play in semifinal West Coast Conference tournament basketball action at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas on Monday, March 8, 2021. BYU won 85-55 to advance to the finals against Gonzaga.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars guard Paisley Johnson Harding (13) goes up for a shot between San Francisco Dons forward Lucija Kostic (24) and San Francisco Dons guard Ioanna Krimili (21) as BYU and San Francisco play in semifinal West Coast Conference tournament basketball action at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas on Monday, March 8, 2021.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars center Sara Hamson (22) tries to put up a shot from under and behind the backboard with San Francisco Dons guard Lucie Hoskova (13) defending as BYU and San Francisco play in semifinal West Coast Conference tournament basketball action at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas on Monday, March 8, 2021. BYU won 85-55 to advance to the finals against Gonzaga.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars forward Lauren Gustin (12) and BYU Cougars guard Shaylee Gonzales (2) defend San Francisco Dons guard Lucie Hoskova (13) as she goes up for a shot as BYU and San Francisco play in semifinal West Coast Conference tournament basketball action at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas on Monday, March 8, 2021. BYU won 85-55 to advance to the finals against Gonzaga.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars guard Maria Albiero (5), BYU Cougars guard Shaylee Gonzales (2), BYU Cougars guard Paisley Johnson Harding (13) and BYU Cougars forward Lauren Gustin (12) defend San Francisco Dons guard Abby Rathbun (55) as BYU and San Francisco play in semifinal West Coast Conference tournament basketball action at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas on Monday, March 8, 2021.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars guard Paisley Johnson Harding (13) loses the inbounds pass to San Francisco Dons guard Amalie Langer (5) as BYU and San Francisco play in semifinal West Coast Conference tournament basketball action at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas on Monday, March 8, 2021.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars guard Paisley Johnson Harding (13) goes up for a shot between San Francisco Dons forward Lucija Kostic (24) and San Francisco Dons guard Ioanna Krimili (21) as BYU and San Francisco play in semifinal West Coast Conference tournament basketball action at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas on Monday, March 8, 2021.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars forward Lauren Gustin (12) looks for an open teammate after gettin caught in the corner as BYU and San Francisco play in semifinal West Coast Conference tournament basketball action at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas on Monday, March 8, 2021.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars guard Paisley Johnson Harding (13) puts up a shot as BYU and San Francisco play in semifinal West Coast Conference tournament basketball action at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas on Monday, March 8, 2021.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU players and coaches wave after defeating San Francisco 85-55 in semifinal West Coast Conference tournament basketball action at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas on Monday, March 8, 2021. BYU advances to the finals against Gonzaga.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars center Sara Hamson (22) defends San Francisco Dons guard Lucie Hoskova (13) as she falls to the floor as BYU and San Francisco play in semifinal West Coast Conference tournament basketball action at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas on Monday, March 8, 2021.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars head coach Jeff Judkins argues a call with a referee as BYU and San Francisco play in semifinal West Coast Conference tournament basketball action at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas on Monday, March 8, 2021.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars guard Paisley Johnson Harding (13) runs back down court after dropping in a shot as BYU and San Francisco play in semifinal West Coast Conference tournament basketball action at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas on Monday, March 8, 2021.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars center Sara Hamson (22) goes up for a shot with San Francisco Dons guard Lucie Hoskova (13) defending as BYU and San Francisco play in semifinal West Coast Conference tournament basketball action at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas on Monday, March 8, 2021.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars guard Paisley Johnson Harding (13) and BYU Cougars guard Tegan Graham (10) defend San Francisco Dons forward Lucija Kostic (24) as BYU and San Francisco play in semifinal West Coast Conference tournament basketball action at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas on Monday, March 8, 2021.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars guard Paisley Johnson Harding (13) and San Francisco Dons guard Marta Galic (3) collide heads at midcoast as BYU and San Francisco play in semifinal West Coast Conference tournament basketball action at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas on Monday, March 8, 2021.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars center Sara Hamson (22) and San Francisco Dons guard Kia Vaalavirta (2) battle for a rebound as BYU and San Francisco play in semifinal West Coast Conference tournament basketball action at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas on Monday, March 8, 2021.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars center Sara Hamson (22) tries to get off a shot as the first half ends as BYU and San Francisco play in semifinal West Coast Conference tournament basketball action at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas on Monday, March 8, 2021.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars guard Paisley Johnson Harding (13) is fouled by San Francisco Dons guard Amalie Langer (5) as BYU and San Francisco play in semifinal West Coast Conference tournament basketball action at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas on Monday, March 8, 2021.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars center Sara Hamson (22) grabs a rebound over San Francisco Dons guard Amalie Langer (5) as BYU and San Francisco play in semifinal West Coast Conference tournament basketball action at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas on Monday, March 8, 2021.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars guard Paisley Johnson Harding (13) goes up for a shot over San Francisco Dons guard Abby Rathbun (55) as BYU and San Francisco play in semifinal West Coast Conference tournament basketball action at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas on Monday, March 8, 2021.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
“We all came in very focused. We knew exactly what we were doing all week. We just tweaked a few little things,” Harding said. “Coming in, we knew as long as we shut down their shooting, we would be able to compete with them. It was our defense, really, that won us that game. I’m so proud of us. We came in and adjusted from the last time we played them and we ended up coming up on top with that.”
USF coach Molly Goodenbour was impressed with what she saw from the Cougars Monday.
“Tremendous credit to BYU today. They were certainly the better team today,” she said. “They played like a team that’s got tournament experience. They played like a team that expected to be here from the beginning of the season and had high aspirations for their program.”
San Francisco’s dynamic freshman guard Ioanna Krimili opened the game by knocking down three 3-pointers. To start the second quarter, Judkins switched to a box-and-one defense focused on Krimili. She still finished with 21 points but it had an adverse effect on the Dons.
“We played a different defense than we played before, a box-and-one because (Krimili) was so hot at the first of the game,” Judkins said. “We had to do something to get her out of rhythm … She’s a great player. We had to make it more difficult for her to score. The team did a great job.”
During one stretch, USF went 1 of 26 from the field. BYU outscored San Francisco 49-13 over the second and third quarters.
“That’s a tough stretch when you can’t throw it in the ocean. They switched defenses on us and it disrupted our rhythm,” Goodenbour said. “We pressed too hard. Every shot we took in the second quarter we felt like it was going to win or lose the game for us. Because of that, it impacted our ability to defend. We never figured out a way to effectively attack their box-and-one. That’s on us as coaches.”
“We didn’t respond well. We didn’t expect that,” Krimili said. “Their defense was really good today. We haven’t played against that (box-and-one) before.”
For the game, USF (15-10) made six 2-point shots and nine 3-pointers.
“They’re the leading 3-point shooting team in our conference,” Judkins said. “You can’t give them open 3s, or if you do, they’re going to hurt you.”
Harding hurt USF over and over again Monday.
“Paisley came out really aggressive offensively,” Judkins said. “That’s really good for our team because when she scores, it’s hard to guard everybody. It’s nice to see everybody play their game.”
Harding had a performance reminiscent of two years ago when she earned the WCC Tournament Most Outstanding Player honors.
“I love playing here. This is such a good experience. Playing in the WCC Tournament is something I look forward to every year,” Harding said. “It’s so fun to be a part of it. It’s so fun to be under the bright lights. I wish fans were here. It would be so much fun having our BYU fans in the stands. Next year, they’ll be here and it will be an even better experience.”
Early in the second quarter, Harding and USF’s Marta Galic collided while going after a loose ball.
“That was definitely a big collision. I thought we were in football for a second. We both were going after the ball,” Harding said. “I asked her if she was doing all right. I have a little bit of a bump now but it will be gone by tomorrow.”
Speaking of tomorrow, the Cougars are looking forward to a third matchup with Gonzaga. BYU beat the No. 16 ranked Zags in Provo in February.
“This is going to be a battle. Both teams know each other well. They have size, we have size. They have toughness, we have toughness,” Judkins. “They have Jill (Townsend), we have Paisley. We have Shaylee (Gonzalez) and their guards are good. Whatever team makes the fewest mistakes will probably win.”
Harding knows what’s on the line Tuesday — an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
“It’s huge. At the start of the season, the NCAA Tournament was on my mind and I know it’s on the minds of my teammates throughout the season as well,” she said. “I want to go. I think we’re focused in on doing that. It was such a great opportunity two years ago. I want to go again. What’s better than going to a dance? I love dancing. I want to dance over there, too.”
Aside from Harding, BYU enjoyed contributions from several players. Tegan Graham scored 14 points, including four 3-pointers. Gonzales had 10 points, six rebounds and seven assists. Lauren Gustin added 10 points and 10 rebounds. Sara Hamson contributed eight points and five rebounds.
“Tonight, Paisley was aggressive offensively. The other night, Shaylee had to do it. That’s what makes this team fun to coach. It could be anybody,” Judkins said. “Tegan came in the second half and really shot the ball well. Sara was active offensively and defensively. It’s been a team effort all year. The good thing about Shaylee is she wants to win. That’s the way Paisley is. When you have people like that, your team can excel.”
BYU is projected to be on the NCAA Tournament bubble but it made a statement that it deserves a bid in the NCAA Tournament regardless of what happens Tuesday.
“BYU is as good a team that we faced all year. They’ve demonstrated that they have an ability to beat a top-20 program in Gonzaga,” Goodenbour said. “Tomorrow’s matchup will be a good one. It would be great to get two NCAA bids for the WCC.”
