From the tip-off, it was obvious the Titans played with an increased passion, even with a key member of their squad missing from courtside, their assistant coach Monica Quan.
The team held a moment of silence before the game in Quan's memory. A memorial was also set up in her honor.
"Monica was very, very loved by the staff and the players and the coaches," said Jim Donova, the school's athletic director.
Quan and her fiancé, Keith Lawrence, were found shot to death Feb 3 inside a car in the parking garage of their apartment complex in Irvine. Christopher Dorner, an ex-LAPD officer is the prime suspect in the killings. Quan is the daughter of an LAPD captain who represented Dorner during disciplinary hearings, which resulted in his dismissal from the department.
Quan was in her second season with the team when her stint was cut short. This was the team's first game since her death. The players' families describe her as a great mentor for these young women.
"She was a very cheerful and happy person. This lady was just, there was just something about her. Her aura was great. She was a very good person," said Janice Smith, the aunt of a player on the team.
Quan will forever be remembered as a star on a off the court.
"I can't begin to tell you what it feels like to function without a part of your family," said Marcia Foster, the team's head coach.
Authorities emphasize that Dorner is armed and considered extremely dangerous. If seen, do not attempt to contact him and call 911.
