Women’s Basketball : Graham Breaks Wrist as UCI Defeats SMU in Opener, 57-52

UC Irvine All-American center Cheri Graham broke her wrist Friday in the Anteaters’, 57-52, win over Southern Methodist University in the first round of the New Mexico State woman’s basketball tournament.

Graham, a senior who averaged 22 points a game last season, was injured diving for a loose ball in the first half and is expected to be out six-to-eight weeks.

UCI (1-0) was led by Zalina Walton, 13 points and 7 rebounds, and Natalie Crawford who had 11 points and 5 rebounds.

In Oregon State Tournament action:

Oregon State 66, Cal State Fullerton 60--The Titans lost their season opener to the Beavers despite 23 points from forward Robin Holmes.

Texas A&M; 79, UCLA 63--Undefeated Texas A&M; jumped to a 19-2 lead and went on to defeat UCLA in the opening round.

Lisa Langston scored 24 points to lead the Aggies (3-0). UCLA’s record dropped to 1-2.

Elsewhere in women’s basketball:

USC 96, St. Joseph’s (Pa.) 66--Cheryl Miller had 23 points and 12 rebounds Friday night to lead USC to a win in the first round of the Maryland Tournament at College Park, Md.

Miller, playing 28 minutes, hit 11 of 16 shots as the Trojans raised their record to 2-0.

Cherie Nelson added 15 points and Karen Howell and Cynthia Cooper each had 13 points for the Trojans, who broke the game open after leading at halftime, 42-36.