THE RUNDOWN
SAN FRANCISCO – In their first conference contest, the University of San Francisco women's basketball team was defeated by San Diego, 54-60, at War Memorial at the Sobrato Center Thursday evening. The Dons (5-7, 0-1) were looking to start out the 2017-18 campaign with a WCC victory and also to extend the streak of defeating the Toreros (7-4, 1-0) five consecutive times. However, the opponents were able to capture a 10-point lead in the second quarter and never let go of the advantage again.
The first quarter was fast and furious with each team trading points. The Dons shot 50.0 percent on the quarter, but still only had a three-point edge heading into the second frame.
The southern California visitors opened the second with a 7-0 run to lead 22-17, before
Veronica Preciado's lay up broke the streak. The Toreros kept the pressure on though, holding the Dons to just nine points to their 21 in the quarter. On top of the Dons' eight turnovers between the two first frames, USD was able to enter the half with their largest lead of the contest, 10 points, at 36-36.
Third quarter action was essentially a stalemate as the teams each scored 12 points, holding the lead to 10 in favor of the Toreros. In the final frame, USF was able to cut the lead to four points with 3:46 remaining after hitting three consecutive field goals. Unfortunately, USD hit the bonus at the worst possible time and were repeatedly sent to the line in the final minutes, capitalizing on free throws to seal the game, 54-60.
ICYMI
KEEPING UP WITH THE JONES'
Listen in on what assistant coach
Janell Jones had to say about the contest in her post-game interview with our broadcaster, Joe Castellano.
GAME NOTES
- Veronica Preciado led the team with her 12 points, going 5-for-9 in 19 minutes of action.
- Michaela Rakova earned a game-high 14 rebounds, including 10 defensive boards.
- USF only hit four three-point field goals, having entered the game averaging 7.1 per game.
- The Dons shot 50.0 percent in the first quarter, but only 25.0 percent from three-point range.
- The Toreros held USF to just nine points in the second quarter, scoring 21 to take a 10-point lead.
- Coach Goodenbour's squad outrebounded the Toreros by two boards, 42-40.
- The Dons had 20 turnovers.
- USF outscored the Toreros 28-16 in the paint.
UP NEXT
The Dons look to even up their conference record as they take on the Portland Pilots (4-8, 0-1) on Saturday at 2 p.m. at War Memorial at the Sobrato Center. Although the Dons had a winning record at home in the preseason, they are now even at 3-3 after the loss against San Diego. Even still, USF will have the edge as the Pilots are 0-3 on the road.
Remember, as our holiday gift to you, this Saturday's game is FREE! Come watch us take on
Portland, no charge! Use the code DONS.
