Box Score
(San Francisco) - Katy Keating and Mel Khlok tallied double-digit scoring the University of San Francisco's season opener, as the Dons dropped a 67-59 decision to Cal State Northridge at War Memorial Gym in San Francisco. It was the first basketball game for the Dons (0-1) in the newly renovated War Memorial Gym.
Both teams were slow out of the gate, but at 15:51, San Francisco hit three consecutive baskets from beyond the arc to go to 11-3 over Cal State Northridge. The Dons continued the energy, going on a 17-5 run over seven minutes. Keating paced the Green and Gold in the run, tallying a pair of 3-point baskets.
Cal State Northridge stepped up its defense through the remainder of the opening half, forcing five USF turnovers to take a late 24-23 lead. Following four free throws from the Dons to put them up by three. Khlok nabbed two quick steals, both resulting to lay-ups to give the Dons a 31-24 advantage at halftime.
San Francisco continued to maintain the lead in the opening minutes of the second stanza, holding onto the advantage until the nine-minute mark. At 7:25, the Matadors took a 51-49 lead and never looked back. Cal State Northridge went up by as many as 10 in the final minutes of the contest.
The Dons rallied furiously at the end, clipping the deficit to five, but were unable to prevail.
For the game, Keating led USF with 18 points. The senior hit five 3-pointers while adding five rebounds and a pair of assists. Khlok added 14 points, with three steals.
Four Dons finished with seven rebounds – senior Vania Singleterry, juniors Whitney Daniels and Bailey Barbour and sophomore Savannah Erskine.
Two newcomers saw playing time off the bench for the Dons, as Taj Winston and Aundrea Gordon made their collegiate debut. Winston, who posted a double-double in the lone USF exhibition, scored six points with four rebounds, while Gordon pulled down two boards.
Cal State Northridge was led by Violet Alama, who posted a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Four Matadors posted double-digit scoring efforts, including 17 points from Ashlee Guay.
San Francisco will return to the court Sunday as they make the short trip south to San Jose State. Tip-off at the Event Center is scheduled for 2 p.m.
