MORAGA, Calif. – The University of San Francisco men's basketball team scored first, but hot shooting by the 13^th ranked Gaels quickly had the Dons in a hole, one they could not climb out of as Saint Mary's cruised to a 79-43 victory on their home court on Thursday evening.
 
USF (12-12, 4-7 WCC) struggled from the field, especially in the second half.  The Dons shot 31.6 percent on the evening going 18-for-57.  In the second half the Dons were stymied to 9-for-30 from the field. 
 
Saint Mary's held USF scoreless for nine minutes midway through the second half.  During that time, the Gaels were led by center Jock Landale who scored 18 of his game-high 26 points after the intermission.
 
SMC (22-2, 11-0 WCC) shot 50.8 percent from the field going 32-for-63 in the opening half, they were 8-for-15 from 3-point range.
 
Leading the Dons was Jordan Ratinho who scored eight, he was followed by Chase Foster who had seven.  Jimbo Lull scored four points and grabbed seven rebounds, which is tied for his career-high.
 
GAME NOTES

• The Dons bench was outscored for just the third-time this season, SMC's reserves finished with 27 points to the Dons 19.  Foster's seven points led the Don's bench.
• The last time the Dons were held to less than 50 came against this same Gaels squad on Jan. 26 last year when SMC defeated the Dons 66-46.

 
NEXT UP
The Dons look to erase this game and get back into the win column on Saturday when they travel to Santa Clara to take on the rival Broncos at 8:00 p.m.  The game will be televised on NBC Sports California with Barry Tompkins and Dan Belluomini on the call.