Box Score
(San Diego, CA) – San Francisco used balanced scoring and a strong defensive effort to seize a 81-70 victory at San Diego in West Coast Conference action Saturday night at the Jenny Craig Pavilion. The Dons (17-10, 7-6 WCC) have now won seven of their last nine and complete the season sweep against the Toreros (10-15, 5-8 WCC).
Four Dons reached double-digit scoring led by an 18-point, 11-rebound double-double from junior forward Perris Blackwell. It was the third double-double of the season for the Etiwanda, CA product and the 10th of his career.
Senior forward Angelo Caloiaro added 16 points, including 14 in the first 10 minutes before battling foul trouble. Sophomore forward Cole Dickerson turned in a career-high with 15 points and five rebounds, while junior guard Michael Williams added 15 points and five assists.
"We came out very aggressive early and I thought that set tone for the rest of the night," USF head coach Rex Walters said. "I thought Perris Blackwell did a fantastic job tonight and Angelo did a great job of setting the tone early. There is room for improvement, but we'll take it."
Sophomore guard Cody Doolin did a great job running the offense, finishing with nine points and matched a season-high with nine assists and a pair of steals in 33 minutes. In his last two games, the Texan has delivered 16 assists with just two turnovers.
USF used strong full court defensive pressure in the opening period and constructed a 41-27 lead at recess while forcing 12 Torero turnovers, leading to 12 points for the Dons. USF shot .533 (16-30) from the field and connected on five 3-pointers, three from Caloiaro, who led all scorers at the break with 14.
San Francisco led the entire second half. The Toreros cut the lead to single digits on a couple of occasions late, but the Dons repelled each threat.
For the game, USF shot an impressive .519 (28-54) from the field and drilled nine 3-pointers. San Diego connected on .450 (27-60) and made eight from long distance. The Dons held a 31-27 rebound edge and seven USF players collected at least a pair of boards. San Francisco shot a season-high .941 (16-17) from the free throw line led by a 4-for-4 effort from Blackwell.
Freshman guard Johnny Dee scored a game-high 23 points, while freshman guard Christopher Anderson chipped in 15 points and six assists for the Toreros.
San Francisco returns to action when it hosts Brigham Young Thursday, February 16. Game time against the Cougars is set for 7:00 PM at War Memorial Gym in a game televised nationally by ESPNU and aired on 95.7 The GAME. The Dons will honor the enduring legacy of coaching legend Pete Newell, by hosting "Pete Newell Appreciation Night".
