Box Score Boxscore
SAN FRANCISCO -- Newcomer
Kruize Pinkins scored a game-high 19 points while Mark Tollefesen and
Cole Dickerson added 15 to pace USF to a 95-57 win over Notre Dame de Namur in the Dons' season opener in Memorial Gymnasium.
Matt Glover also reached double figures with 12 points as 10 USF players got into the scoring column in the 38 point victory.
Six of USF's first seven field goals in the game came from beyond the three-point line as the Dons opened a 20-7 lead at the 15:23 mark of the first half. USF made 11 of its 13 three-pointers in the first half to build a 61-25 lead at intermission.
Pinkins had 14 of his 19 points in the first period while Glover nailed all three of his long distance attempts before the break.
USF built as much as a 44-point lead in the second half at 93-49 en route to the 38-point victory.
Sophomore
Avry Holmes finished with nine points while
Chris Adams and
Corey Hilliard chipped in with eight.
Tim Derksen added six off the bench.
Cody Doolin, who made his 100th consecutive start this evening, did not score but had seven assists and three steals in a 20 minute playing stint.
"I thought we came out and played real hard in the first half," said USF head coach
Rex Walters. "We were making a lot of shots and forced some turnovers. I didn't really like our effort in the second half. We did a lot of good things tonight, though."
Walters was also pleased how USF took care of the ball tonight, finishing with 22 assists against just 10 turnovers.
"The ball was really moving in the first half. I think teams will have a hard time zoning us and if we can get a little more efficient against man, we'll be tough to guard. When you go 22-10, you are going to win a lot of games."
Walters has emphasized the need for the defense to creat offense and was pleased the Dons forced 24 turnovers tonight.
"Avry was really good on the ball and forced a couple of five second calls. Our guys did a good job with their length to get into the passing lanes that led to some breakout layups."
USF will return to action on Wednesday night when the Dons play host to the Cleveland State Vikings beginning at 8:00 p.m. in Memorial Gym. The game is the second part of a doubleheader with USF's women's team, who will entertain Dominican beginning at 5:30 p.m.
