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Dons Jump On San Diego Early, Win 98-88
Feb. 3, 2007
The USF Dons, buoyed by 51 points by the backcourt trio of Antonio Kellogg, Armondo Surratt and Manny Quezada jumped on host San Diego early and coasted to a 98-88 win over the Toreros Saturday afternoon at the Jenny Craig Pavilion.
It was a big win for USF (9-14, 5-3 WCC) who now has a two-game lead on the Toreros and also the key tie-breaker earned with the sweep.
The Dons were paced by 21 points by Antonio Kellogg, who scored 37 points in the Dons first win over USD. It was the sophomore from Oakland's first game since January 20th, as he sat to work on his academics. Kellogg was 6 of 8 from the field and eight for nine from the free-throw line.
USF also got 16 points from Armondo Surratt and Manny Quezada, 14 by Johnny Dukes and 13 by Alan Wiggins, Jr. San Diego (13-10, 3-5 WCC) was paced Gyno Pomare's 18 points and 17 by Ross DeRogatis.
"I could see it the last few practices that this team is coming together," said Dons' head coach Jessie Evans. "In the first half we did things right, we got in the passing lanes and got out on the break. We did a great job on the boards in the first half, giving up just two offensive rebounds. On the other hand, we shared the basketball and we were making our shots.
"It was a great win over a quality opponent who is 7-3 at home. We now will practice tomorrow afternoon and get ready for a big game at Santa Clara Monday night. We have our team together now and we are healthy and ready to focus on the rest of the season.
San Diego made a run in the second half after USF put up a 32-point lead at 64-32 lead with 17 minutes left in the contest, but never was able to close under 15 until late in garbage time.
USF won its fourth WCC road game of the season in five games. The Dons have played 15 of 23 games away from home.
The game was the last regular season game for USF outside the Bay Area. They play Monday at Santa Clara and have a Big Monday game at St. Mary's on Feb. 19th, with the rest of their games at War Memorial Gym. The Dons host Pepperdine on February 10th and LMU on February 12th in their next home appearances.
USF led 56-30 at intermission, shooting 66.7% floor (20-30) and forcing 15 Torero turnovers. The Dons built leads of 15-3, 25-7 and had a 30-point lead at 47-17 with 4:59 remaining.
The game was the last collegiate appearance for San Diego native Alan Wiggins, Jr., whose father Alan played for the San Diego Padres.
