SAN FRANCISCO – The University of San Francisco men's basketball team had a brilliant first half and withstood a strong second half run by Eastern Washington to come away with the 81-71 victory on Thursday evening at the War Memorial at the Sobrato Center.
 
USF (5-3) received a career night from forward Matt McCarthy, who poured in 17 points, 12 coming in the first half.  He also added seven rebounds on the night in an all-around stellar effort. Three other Dons finished in double figures.  Souley Boum scored 16 in his return to action, Jordan Ratinho finished with 11 and Chase Foster scored 10.
 
The Dons raced out to an early lead taking all the momentum, USF was up 11-0 before Eastern Washington (3-6) got on the board. The Dons went 6-for-6 from the field in its first six attempts. USF maintained the pressure and led by as much as 26 points with 2:17 in the half.
 
Going into the intermission, USF led 45-24, the 45 points matches a season-high for points in a half.  USF was on fire in the opening period, shooting 44.1 percent from the field and 50.0 percent from 3-point range.  Ball movement led to plenty of great looks from both inside the arc and beyond.     
 
Out of the break, the Dons offense could not maintain the same pace it set in the first half.  The Eagles slowly chipped away at the lead, eventually cutting the deficit to six points with 5:00 minutes left in the contest.  Free throws for the Dons down the stretch proved to be the difference, as USF held on for the 10-point win.
 
Eastern Washington was led by Bogdan Bliznyuk, who recorded a double-double with a game-high 31 points and 10 rebounds.  Eighteen of his points came after the intermission, he finished the night 11-for-22 from the floor.
 
GAME NOTES

• The 45 points scored by USF in the opening half matches a season-high for points in a period set in the opening half of the win over Sonoma State on Nov. 21.
• Four Dons finished in double figures, that matches a single season-high, that again took place against Sonoma State.
• McCarthy becomes the fourth different Don to lead the team in scoring this season. He joins Chase Foster, Souley Boum, and Jordan Ratinho as players who have led the team in scoring.
• The Dons improve to 5-0 when going into the locker room at halftime leading. USF has outscored their opponents 301-248 in the first half.
• The bench was active yet again, the Dons' reserves scored 35 tonight and was led by Boum's 16. Jimbo Lull, Frankie Ferrari, Remu Raitanen all scored at least five points.

 
NEXT UP
The Dons have a week off and won't return to action until Friday, Dec. 15 when USF host UC Davis.  Tip-off is slated for 8:00 p.m. but will start approximately a half hour after the completion of the women's game.  Tickets for the Dons and Aggies can be purchased at Dons Ticket Central or by calling 415-422-2USF (2873).