Dec. 7, 2002

Box Score

USF rallied from a 21-point deficit in the second half, but two missed shots in the final :30 failed to fall as the Dons lost 74-71 in the Northwestern Mutual Mayor's Game Saturday night in San Francisco.

The Bulldogs, 4-0 on the season led 56-35 with 15:31 remaining, but USF went on a 22-6 run to pull within 62-57 with 7:56 left. The Dons eventually closed to 72-71 with 57 seconds remaining when Shamell Stallworth pulled off a three-point play and got the ball back with a chance to go ahead.

Jason Gaines took a three pointer that spun out that would have given the Dons their their first lead since 8-6. Renaldo Major sunk two free-throws that put the guests up by three giving John Cox a chance to tie it with a thre-pointer, but his shot from the top of the arc was short.

Fresno State Jonathan Woods was named winner of the Sam Skinner MVP award, tallying 18 poinst and 8 rebounds for the winners. Travis DeManby added 12 and Damon Jackson 11.

USF was paced by Darrell Tucker's 22 points and seven rebounds, 16 by John Cox, 13 by Jovan Harris and 10 by Shamell Stallworth.

Fresno State shot 65.4% in the first half as they took a 42-27 lead into intermission. The Dons shot just 31% in the first half, but made 14 of 27 second half shots totalling 41.1% on the night.

The Dons are off until next Saturday for finals. After finals they will play at the University of the Pacific. In that game mid-year transfers Alvin Broussard (New Mexico) and James Bayless (Nevada) will make their USF debuts.