THE RUNDOWN
SAN JOSE, Calif. – The University of San Francisco women's basketball team defeated San Jose State University, 87-81, Friday night. The win marks the second road win for the Dons this season. Their first came playing in the #ShareSLO Holiday Classic against Robert Morris at Cal Poly.
The first period was full of action with three ties and three lead changes. Although the Dons only shot 1-for-5 from beyond the arc, their usual specialty, they were able to head into the second frame ahead by one point off a last second spin-move layup by
Veronica Preciado.
Preciado opened up period two with a quick three-pointer, but that wouldn't discourage the Spartans. The home team responded with an 8-2 run to build a six-point gap. Back-to-back buckets from
Shannon Powell helped to break SJSU's momentum and bring USF back within two points. The remaining minutes of the quarter, the two teams traded shots and entered into halftime with a three-point difference in favor of the Spartans at 45-42.
The third quarter played exactly as the second, except the Dons were the ones able to create some space and earn a five-point advantage, their largest lead of the game.
Although the Dons entered the final frame with a cushion, the Spartans again pushed back. This time SJSU went on an 11-1 tear. USF was scoreless from the 9:15 mark to 5:35 left in the quarter when
Michaela Rakova sunk a free throw to bring the Dons within three, 72-75. On the next possession,
Anna Seilund drilled a three-pointer to spark a 13-2 streak from Goodenbour's squad. With 48 seconds left, the Dons were up 83-80 and would seal the deal on free throws.
TWEET OF THE GAME
BY THE NUMBERS
- Shannon Powell led the Dons with 19 points, five rebounds, seven assists, two blocks and two steals.
- Preciado recorded a career-high 18 points on eight field goals made.
- Kalyn Simon and Rakova each earned a double double, Rakova's third of the season. Simon with her 12 points, 10 rebounds and Rakova with her 13 points, 10 rebounds.
- Simon found season-highs in rebounding and points.
- Seilund contributed 13 points, including nine in the second half to help the Dons surge past SJSU's runs.
- This is the first time in the season that five Dons have registered in double digit scoring.
- USF had a season-high in field goals made (36).
- The Dons registered more points than they had in a second half this season.
- USF scored more points (86) in any game than they have this season.
- The Dons recorded the most points in the paint (52) than they have in coach Goodnebour's two years at USF.
WHAT'S NEXT
The Dons will rest until a Wednesday evening match against UC Davis in Davis. Tip-off is set for 5 p.m. The Aggies are undefeated with a 7-0 record. UC Davis defeated Washington State, 91-76, while the Dons fell to WSU, 74-70, in a close contest.
