USF's exhibition game Tuesday night against San Francisco State had just the right mix of elements to please head coach Rex Walters.
 
There were solid performances turned in by two veterans, confident minutes by a large group of young and untested players – along with plenty of teachable moments which will make for a lively film session tomorrow.
 
Sophomore guard Devin Watson scored 25 points to lead four Dons in double-figures as USF posted an 87-76 victory over the Gators before a crowd of 1,242 inside Memorial Gymnasium. Tim Derksen added 15, freshman Nate Renfro finished with 13 and senior Montray Clemons came off the bench to add 11 to pace USF's scorers.
 
The Dons shot 47.2 percent from the field and held the Gators to 43.1 percent. USF also had the better of it on the boards, 42-34. Each team made 11 three-pointers.
 
This game was tighter than the final score would indicate. The Dons led by just four points at 71-67 with 5:30 remaining before going on a 10-0 run to open an 81-67 lead with 2:55 left.  Three-pointers by Watson and Derksen and four Renfro free throws keyed the decisive run.
 
USF led by as many as 15 points at 87-72 with 1:18 left before settling for the 87-76 victory.
 
"My hat's off to San Francisco State – we knew we were going to get their best game tonight," said USF head coach Rex Walters. "They are very well-coached and run a Princeton-style offense and play a tough zone defense. We're happy with the win but there are things we obviously need to do better. It's on to the tape now."
 
Five newcomers saw their first action tonight, with Renfro turning in an eye-opening performance in his first collegiate game. He made 4-of-5 shots from the floor and knocked down 5-of-8 free throws for his 13 points. He also added nine rebounds in a 31 minute playing stint.
 
"I thought Nate Renfro stepped up and played a heck of a game – 13 points and nine rebounds in 31 minutes in his first game as a freshman. He has a really bright future."
 
Walters was pleased with the play of Watson, who scored 15 of his 25 points in the second half.
 
"Devin Watson was outstanding," said Walters. "He made plays when we needed him to make plays. We wanted the ball in his hands when it mattered and he came through."
 
The game was another learning opportunity for a young Dons team that will open the season next Friday night at Illinois-Chicago.
 
"We got one guy who has played over 100 games on our team and another who was a WCC All-Freshmen team pick last season. After that, we have a lot of youth and inexperience so tonight was a good test for us against a good team in a game environment. We felt like we accomplished something tonight."