West Coast Conference Notebook
by Brad Best
USF lances Bobby Knight’s Red Raiders
Coming off a four-point loss to Pacific on November 30 and riding a three-game losing streak, the University of San Francisco Dons didn’t appear to be much of a threat to Texas Tech. But the Dons turned the tables on the Red Raiders this year and ran away with a 90-72 victory on Saturday. When the two teams met in Lubbock last season, Texas Tech handed the Dons a 97-53 defeat. Miami transfer Armondo Surratt recorded his first career double-double and Jerome Gumbs led all scorers with 31 points en route to the Dons victory. True freshman Dior Lowhorn was the leading scorer for Texas Tech with 20 points.
Gonzaga Looks for “Barking” Rights in the State of Washington
The Gonzaga Bulldogs square off against the University of Washington Huskies on Sunday and then take on the Washington State Cougars on Thursday, December 8. The Bulldogs have won seven straight against the Huskies. While Washington has this circled this as one of the premier games on their schedule, Gonzaga doesn’t have that luxury. They must also get ready for Oklahoma State, Memphis, and Stanford and part of their non-conference schedule.
University of San Diego Holds Court Against Crosstown Rival
The Toreros knocked out the San Diego State Aztecs 90-80 on Wednesday, November 30 with sharp shooting from the perimeter. As a team, the Toreros shot 60 percent from the field, 70 percent from beyond the arc, and 80 percent from the free throw line in the second half. Ross DeRogatis hit on 5-of-6 three pointers in the second half. The Aztecs continually doubled down to defend post position players and made themselves vulnerable to outside shooters. The Aztecs are the preseason pick to finish first in the Mountain West Conference.
Loyola Marymount Ends Four-Game Losing Streak
The Loyola Marymount Lions notched just their second victory of the season on Saturday, defeating UC Santa Barbara in convincing fashion, 77-60. Matthew Knight led the way with 20 points and 12 rebounds. The Lions finished the first half on a 27-6 run and never looked back. They increased their led by as much as 26 points in the second half before finishing with a 17-point victory. They’ll host USC on December 10 and look to become battle-tested before starting conference play.
Santa Clara Narrowly Missed Regulation Win Over SEC Foe
The final score, 82-69, doesn’t tell enough of the story. With just two seconds left in the second half, Santa Clara’s Brody Angley had a chance to knock off Mississippi State. But when his jumper bounced off the rim, apparently so did the Broncos chances of winning. Mississippi State could not be stopped in the overtime period, and Santa Clara made just one basket in the extra period. Travis Niesen led the way for the Broncos with 22 points. Angley had 17 points, including five three-pointers.
