Feb. 25, 2006

Final Stats

Armondo Surratt scored on a driving layup with seven seconds remaining to give USF a 74-72 overtime West Coast Conference victory at Portland Saturday night.

Surratt, who came into the game as USF's leading scorer at 14.7 points per game was scoreless entering the extra session, but scored with 2:56 remaining in the extra session to give USF a four point lead. With the game tied at 72, he drove the lane and banked the winning points in off the backboard.

The win keeps USF (11-15) in a tie for third place with St. Mary's at 7-6 in the league race entering USF's final game at Gonzaga Monday night at 6:00 p.m.

USF was paced in scoring by junior Alan Wiggins, who scored 24 points on 9 for 14 shooting and Jerome Gumbs who scored 15, including four in the extra session. Jason Wallace-Carter had a double double for USF, who shot 48.3% to 33.9% for Portland (10-17, 4-9) , who had a two-game winning streak snapped.

The Dons were in foul trouble all night and Portland had a huge advantage at the free-throw line making 25 of 31 to just 13-23 for USF.

Darren Cooper led Portland with 20 points despite hitting just three of 14 shots, but nailed all 14 of his free-throws. Donald Wilson (7-10 floor) added 17 points and Pooh Jeter (4-15) had 15 points.

"We came out like I hoped and got off to a good start," said Dons' head coach Jessie Evans. "But we started to make turnovers and miss free-throws. We led by nine at the half, but it should have been more if we take care of the basketball. Portland got going a little bit in the second half, but we could have put the game away in regulation if we make our free-throws. Jason Wallace Carter did hit two key free-throws near the end of regulation."

The Dons led 40-31 at the half after a period of runs and momentum shifts. The Dons raced out to 12-2 and 21-7 leads before the Pilots made a run and came within one point at 28-27 with 4:43 remaining. USF was able to again finish the half strong and took a 40-31 lead into intermission.

It was USF's tenth win over Portland in the last 11 matchups and assured USF at least a .500 record in WCC play heading into the league finale Monday in Spokane against Gonzaga.