DAVIS, Calif. – The UC Davis Aggies came out and scored the game's opening bucket on the first offensive possession, but the University of San Francisco men's basketball team quickly responded and never looked back as the Dons blasted the Aggies 76-42 at The Pavilion on Tuesday evening.
 
USF (1-0) thoroughly outplayed the host team, going on massive runs in both halves in the one-sided affair.  In the first period, the Dons went on a 24-4 run early that set the tone.  The Dons shot 52.5 percent from the field going 32-for-61 from the field, most of it came inside the key where they scored 50 of their 76 points.
 
Three players scored in double figures for the Dons, who were led by Charles Minlend's game-high 16 points.  Joining him in double figures was Jordan Ratinho who scored 14 and Matt McCarthy who added 11 points and eight rebounds off the bench.  Jimbo Lull added nine points and six boards, Nate Renfro had seven points and six rebounds as well. 
 
The Dons defense was relentless, as USF held the Aggies (0-1) scoreless for large stretches of the game.  No player for UC Davis scored in double figures, and that includes reigning Big West Player of the Year T.J. Shorts II who was limited to two points on 1-of-8 shooting.

The Aggies shot just 27.5 percent from the field, going 14-for-51.  UC Davis committed 18 turnovers on the evening that the Dons turned into 24 points.
 
GAME NOTES

• The Dons improve to 2-1 in home openers under head coach Kyle Smith, and 1-0 in road.
• The Dons largest lead of the night was 34 points, they led for 38 minutes.
• With the win, the Dons improve to 8-1 all-time against the Aggies in a series that dates back to the 1934-35 season.
• Jordan Ratinho went 4-for-6 from 3-point range, he now has 145 for his career which moves him into sole possession of seventh place all-time at USF.  He surpassed Gerald Walker (1992-96) who had 142 made 3-point field goals.

 
COACH'S QUOTE

Coach's Minute 🎬 | HC Kyle Smith gives his thoughts on the #Dons win over host UC Davis on the road. #changemakers | #USFDons | #WCCHoops pic.twitter.com/RPnCxorPdt

— USF Basketball (@USFDonsMBB) November 7, 2018

 
UP NEXT
The Dons will make their home debut on Saturday when they host Maine at 2:00 p.m. Tickets for Saturday's contest are available at Dons Ticket Central.  The game will be streamed online at TheW.tv, fans can also tune into the 1550-AM The GAME, the new home of USF Basketball.