Feb. 14, 2002

Box Score

Justin Holbrook scored 16 points, Steve Ross scored 14 points, and David Emslie added 10 as Santa Clara (11-13, 6-5 WCC) topped USF 77-67 at the Leavey Center at Santa Clara. The Dons playing their first game without the injured LyRyan Russell, fell behind 42-22 at the half, cut it to 10 in the second half, but could get no closer until the final minute when they cut it to seven.

USF, who dropped to 12-12 (7-4 in WCC play) was paced by 21 points and 10 rebounds by Darrell Tucker. Hondre Brewer and John Cox added 10 each. It was Tucker's 15th double-double of the year, ninth in eleven WCC contests.

After trailing by 20 at halftime, USF played well defensively in the second half, holding the Broncos to just seven field goals after intermission. But USF was ice-cold from three-point range, making just 6 of 24 outside the arc.

USF shot just 37.5% from the floor, while the Broncos made 45.3%.

Playing the first whole game without starting point guard LyRyan Russell, who suffered a torn ACL last Saturday at Loyola Marymount, the Dons came out flat on both ends of the floor. The Dons trailed early 17-9 and fell behind 35-18 on the way to a 42-22 halftime deficit. USF made just 7-30 shots before halftime, including 2-12 from three-point range, while the Broncos made 5 of 7 treys before halftime. The Broncos also dominated the first half boards 26-15.

USF started Jerome Gumbs in place of the injured LyRyan Russell with John Cox starting at the point guard slot.

USF plays its final of four consecutive road games Saturday in San Diego. USF has not lost two WCC games in a row this season and is a perfect 5-0 in league play on Saturday night.

After the game at San Diego, the Dons return home to play eighth-ranked Gonzaga on February 22nd and play their regular season finale vs. Portland the following evening.

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