Hilo, Hawaii - Darrell Tucker and Hondre Brewer combined for 34 points and 14 rebounds as USF (2-2) outlasted Appalachian State (1-3) 54-52 in the consolation semifinals of the Big Island Classic Saturday afternoon in Hilo, Hawaii.

USF, playing without a point guard and dressing a total of seven scholarship players, led throughout most of the game. But Appalachian State took a late lead before a driving layup by Ali Thomas gave USF the lead in the final minute. USF again got excellent play from Hondre Brewer, who blocked 4 shots, scored 12 points and pulled down 9 rebounds. Darrell Tucker paced USF with 22 points, 16 in the second half.

"We were shorthanded and forced to play without a point guard," said Dons' Coach Phil Mathews, "but we did the best with what we had. We got great defensive performances by Hondre Brewer, who was an intimidating force out there. James Lee was a warrior, and Ali Thomas hit the big shot in the last minute. Ali played all 40 minutes."

USF played without its three injured point guards, LyRyan Russell (hip injury) and Jason Gaines and Chris Barideaux, who both have injured knees suffered on this trip.

Appalachian State was paced by Shawn Alexander, who scored 18 points, but was just 6-19 from the floor. James Lee blocked his shot that was an attempt to tie the game in the final seconds.

USF led for much of the first half, but ended up trailing 21-20 at intermission because of 14 first half turnovers and because they made just 6 of 12 free-throws.

The Dons were better in the second stanza making 7 of 11 from the free-throw line and 13-24 (54.2%) from the floor.

Ali Thomas Ali Thomas scored the layup with :32 seconds and Tayao Akinsete scored in the final 33 seconds to give San Francisco a 54-to-52 lead.

USF will play the winner of tonight's late game between Hawaii-Hilo and Montana State Sunday at 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time.