San Luis Obispo, CA (Dec. 30) The USF Dons men's basketball team will roll into the new millenium on a ten-game winning streak after outlasting Cal Poly San Luis Obispo 76-71 at Mott Gymnasium Thursday night. The game was not easy for USF as a fired up Mustang team playing before a home crowd and inspired by their leading scorer, Chris Bjorklund wouldn't let the Dons put the game away.

USF (10-1) led by just two points at the break 34-32, and ran up as many as a seven point lead in the second half.

But the Mustangs (5-6), paced by Bjorklund, who ended with 27 points, wouldn't fade. The hosts made 7-13 three-pointers and kept the game close.

In the end it was the Dons' star, Kenyon Jones, who ruled the evening. His inside play was too much as he hit seven field goals and 12 of 15 from the free-throw line for 26 points. He also led USF with 11 rebounds. After Chris Bjorklund hit a three to pull the hosts to within one, Jones made a free-throw and a slam-dunk to put USF up four with 2:21 left. After that USF, just had to make free-throws to seal the win. James Lee, who played just 19 minutes scored 11 points on 4-4 shooting and Darrell Tucker also had a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.

Jason King scored 14 for Cal Poly and David Henry added 10.

This Cal Poly team is very talented and will be tough to beat all year in this building, said Dons' head coach Phil Mathews. Bjorklund was a load down in the paint. Give credit to Cal Poly."

The Dons have their final two preconference games next week, hosting Wisconsin Green Bay on Monday night and Boise State on Friday.