SANTA CLARA, Calif. – The University of San Francisco men's basketball team never trailed against their rivals, but that didn't mean the game didn't have its tense moments. USF survived a big run by Santa Clara in the early second half to come away with a crucial 70-59 win at Leavey Center.
The opening half belonged to USF. The Dons (13-12, 5-7 WCC) led by as much as 14 with 2:49 in the opening period. USF had six players between four and eight points as they received contributions throughout the lineup.
Defensively, the Dons did a terrific job of holding Santa Clara's (8-16, 5-7 WCC) leading scorer, KJ Feagin, to zero points in the first half. Out of the break, Feagin came alive, scoring all 15 of his points after the break.
A 3-point field goal by SCU's Henrik Jadersten at the top of the key with 14:19 left in the contest briefly tied the game. Erasing the Dons 12-point lead at the break.
However, the combination of
Jordan Ratinho and
Frankie Ferrari proved to be the difference as the two guards combined to score 22 points in the second half. Ferrari finished with a game-high 19 points, Ratinho finished with 17.
Matt McCarthy also finished in double figures, scoring a gritty 12 points.
Nate Renfro finished with seven points and seven rebounds.
COACHES QUOTE
Coach talking about defending Bronco's guard KJ Feagin and his thoughts on the game.
GAME NOTES
- The Dons improve to 2-0 in their alternate gold jerseys. They are 1-6 in the regular green road uniforms this season.
- The Dons debuted their 12th lineup of the season when Chase Foster reentered the starting rotation tonight with Ferrari, Ratinho, McCarthy, and Renfro.
- USF never trailed in this contest, it is the sixth time this season they have never trailed in a game. The Dons led for a total of 38:06 the Broncos tied the game twice and held the tie for 1:54.
- The Dons work on the glass proved to be the difference. USF outrebounded the Broncos 34-21, USF had 10 offensive boards that led to 15 second chance points.
- SCU's reserves outscored the Dons' bench 12-10. It is just the fourth time the Dons bench has been outscored by their opponents, they improved to 2-2 in games the bench scored less.
NEXT UP
The Dons return home for a quick one game home stand when Portland comes to town on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. The game between the Dons and Pilots will be streamed live on TheW.tv. Thursday's contest will be "North Beach Night" honoring one of San Francisco's beloved neighborhoods. Tickets for the game are available online at
Dons Ticket Central.
