SAN FRANCISCO – The University of San Francisco men's basketball team led for much of the contest, unfortunately free throws proved to be the deciding factor as San Diego came from behind to defeat the Dons 64-61 on Senior Night.
 
USF (17-14, 9-9 WCC) sits atop Pacific and San Diego in the three-way tie for fourth due to the Dons' win over Saint Mary's on Feb. 15.  USF will play Pacific in the 4/5 matchup on Saturday, Mar. 3 at 3:00 p.m. at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas for the WCC Tournament. 
 
Leading the Dons in scoring was junior Frankie Ferrari who finished with a game-high 19 points.  Joining Ferrari in double figures was Jordan Ratinho who scored 12.  Senior Chase Foster scored nine points in his final game on the Hilltop.
 
San Diego (18-12, 9-9 WCC) had three players finish in double figures and was led by Juwan Gray's 18 points.  USF shot well from the field, going 51.1 percent from the floor and 43.8 percent from 3-point range, but the free throw line proved be their Achilles heel.  The Dons went 4-for-16 from the charity stripe, and 2-for-10 by everyone not named Jimbo Lull who was a perfect 4-for-4 from the free throw line. 

GAME NOTES

• In a special pre-game ceremony, the Dons honored seniors Chase Foster and Mars Pasache.  Foster a four-time letter winner entered tonight with over 2,001 career minutes played.  Pasache has been with the program for four years, the previous two as the head manager for the team.  He also runs scout team for the Dons.  Tonight, Pasache got to suit up for the first time in his career wearing the No. 30. 

NEXT UP
The Dons return to action on Saturday, March 3 at 3:00 p.m. when it takes on Pacific in the 4/5 show down at the WCC Championship.