Nov. 2, 2009

Box Score

(San Francisco) USF Women's Basketball rallied in the second half, but the comeback fell short as the Dons dropped an 81-78 exhibition decision to Vanguard Monday at War Memorial Gym. San Francisco was led by four Dons who scored in double digits, including a pair with 20-plus points. The contest was the first exhibition game of the season for USF, who will play one more exhibition game before opening the regular season.

Freshman Mel Khlok led USF with 23 points and 11 rebounds, for a double-double in her Hilltop debut. Khlok connected on 8-for-13, including going 4-for-6 from 3-point territory.

Sophomore Rheina Ale added 21 points, pulling down 11 boards, including 10 defensive. The guard hit 6-for-15 from the field, 5-for-8 from behind the arc. The Carson native also dished out eight assists, and two steals, playing in all but two minutes of the game.

Junior Donnisha Taylor and sophomore Heidi Anton rounded out USF double-digit scorers. Taylor scored 13 with seven rebounds and four assists, while Anton posted 11 points and a pair of boards.

After trailing the entire first half, down 52-33 at halftime, the Dons posted a strong comeback in the second frame. Vanguard jumped out to a game-high 23 point lead two minutes into the second half, but the Dons rallied to outscore the Lions 27-14 over the next ten minutes to narrow the lead to three points.

During the run, San Francisco held Vanguard scoreless for nearly five and a half minutes, closing the deficit to 71-68, Lions. USF came within one, 79-78, with 58 second remaining, but, following a lay-up by the Lions, were unable to hit a buzzer-beating three to force overtime.

Vanguard, who is ranked No. 2 nationally in the NAIA preseason polls, were paced for four squad members with double-digit efforts Alexandra Halberg led the Lions with 19 points.

In total, the Dons hit 10 three points, including five by Ale, shooting at a .476 clip from long distance. Vanguard shot 54.5% from 3-point territory in the first half, before San Francisco's defense held strong in the second half, allowing just one three-pointer.

USF will host one more preseason exhibition contest next Wednesday as it welcomes Sonoma State to War Memorial Gym. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. The Dons will then open the 2009-10 regular season on the road at UC Davis Tuesday, November 17, before the home opener, Friday, November 20 against Cal State Fullerton.