Feb. 21, 2003

Box Score

Junior John Cox scored a career high 30 points to lead USF to an easy 78-65 win over Santa Clara Friday night at USF. The win sets up a battle for second place with San Diego Saturday night in the Dons' home finale.

The Dons were in control from the start and eventually took a 31-14 lead with 5:33 remaining in the first half. USF eventually led by 40-20 at the half and built the lead to 54-26 before getting the bench into the action. Cox made 11-15 shots from the floor, including 4-6 from behind the arc.

USF (12-12, 7-4) shot 50.8% from the floor in winning its 11th game in the last 17. Santa Clara was paced by 18 points by Bakari Altheimer in dropping to 12-12, 3-8 in the WCC.

USF forward Darrell Tucker started for the first time since injuring his thumb and scored 12 points, putting him at 1,701 on his career and one point behind Winford Boynes for third place on the all-time career scoring list.

Saturday's game with San Diego (8 p.m. Fox Sports Net)is important if USF wants to finish second in the WCC as the Toreros are 8-3 in league play. It is also the final home games for USF seniors Darrell Tucker, Shamell Stallworth and Scepter Brownlee.