The Dons Dominate: A Roaring Start to the Season!
Ah, hoops season is finally upon us, and what better way to kick off the festivities than with the University of San Francisco Dons, who’ve apparently taken “playing with heart” to scandalous new levels. In a complete rout, they left the Chicago State Cougars in their wake with an honorable score line of 82-37. That’s a basketball game, not a Saturday morning cartoon! Let’s dive into this thrilling spectacle, shall we?
Game Recap
Closing out a season-opening four-game homestand, the Dons strutted onto the court like they owned the place. And you know what? For good reason! They started fast, opening with the first seven points in what appeared to be a scrimmage, not a game. Tyrone Riley IV was quick off the mark. Five quick points? I’m thinking he must’ve had a double espresso before the game. Chicago State managed five points too! Bravo, Cougars. It was almost like they planned their own morning coffee run before the game.
Standout Performances
- Tyrone Riley IV: This young gun wasn’t just playing; he was on a mission, netting a career-best 28 points. That’s right folks, he outscored the entire Cougars team in the first half on his own! Talk about setting the bar – or should I say raising it?
- Ndewedo Newbury & Ryan Beasley: Both chipped in with 10 points each. Consistency doesn’t come easy, but these lads found their groove like an old record. Bravo!
- Marcus Williams: Just shy of a double-double with nine points and a record-tying eight rebounds. He must have been on the “How to Dominate the Paint” course this summer.
- James O’Donnell: Coming off the bench to score a season-high eight points. He jumped in like a kid into a ball pit—full of energy and a slight bit chaotic!
Highlights & Talking Points
The Dons went on an impressive 17-0 run to close out the first half. If you blinked, you might have missed it—or thought it was half-time entertainment at a kid’s birthday party! Chicago State was left floundering, and their only hope appeared to be a magic potion. Spoiler: it didn’t work.
Then, in the second half, USF continued to lay the smackdown. After the Cougars attempted a “comeback” (it’s almost cute), USF hit them with a 10-2 run that made them feel like they’d just fallen down a well. They didn’t just play to win—they played to embarrass, pushing their lead to a staggering 56-21, just 11 minutes shy of entering the final quarter.
What’s Coming Up?
Next up, the Dons turn their gaze to Memphis! This showdown promises to be a collision of epic proportions—like watching two titans battle it out over the last cookie in the jar. Tune in on November 21, because folks, this game is bound to be a barnburner!
Get Involved
If you want to join the Dons’ family, not that family; the sports one, follow them on social media to keep up with all the action. You wouldn’t want to miss a minute of this excitement, would you?
This glorious run by the Dons has not only kept their undefeated streak alive, but they’ve also entertained us all. Grab your popcorn and let’s see what this season has in store!
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – The University of San Francisco men’s basketball team (4-0) maintained their flawless record, concluding their impressive four-game homestand with a commanding 82-37 victory against Chicago State (0-4) on Saturday night at the War Memorial at the Sobrato Center.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:
- USF came out strong, scoring the first seven points of the game, which included a quick five points from Tyrone Riley IV, establishing an early 7-0 lead just two minutes into the action.
- Noble Crawford responded with the first five points for the Cougars, narrowing the gap to 10-5 at 16:56.
- The Dons then took control of the contest, going on a decisive 10-0 run anchored by three-pointers from Riley IV and Ndewedo Newbury, extending their lead to 15 as they entered the first media timeout of the half.
- Despite a three-pointer from Jalen Forrest for Chicago State with under eight minutes remaining, the Cougars struggled to score thereafter, failing to find the basket for the last 7:55. Meanwhile, San Francisco executed a remarkable 17-0 scoring run before halftime, featuring a personal 7-0 streak from Riley IV, allowing them to take a commanding 44-12 lead into the break.
- The Cougars attempted to rally with a 7-2 run to start the second half but were quickly halted by the Dons, who responded with a 10-2 burst of their own, highlighted by three-pointers from Marcus Williams and Ryan Beasley, pushing their advantage to 56-21 with 11:46 remaining in the game.
- After a brief flurry from Chicago State closing the gap to 58-30, the Dons quickly scored 12 unanswered points, with Riley IV adding two more threes, extending their lead to 70-30 with just 6:39 left to play.
- The Dons maintained their dominance throughout the final minutes, sealing an emphatic victory by ending their homestand with an 82-37 win.
NOTABLE PERFORMANCES:
- Tyrone Riley IV delivered the standout performance of his young career, netting a career-high 28 points on an efficient 9-of-13 shooting, including an impressive 5-of-6 from beyond the arc, coupled with three steals. Remarkably, he outscored the entire Chicago State team in the first half, 20-12.
- Both Newbury and Beasley contributed significantly, scoring 10 points each, with each knocking down two three-pointers. Beasley also recorded a season-high 28 minutes, showcasing his defensive prowess with two steals.
- Marcus Williams fell just shy of a double-double, collecting nine points, a career-high-tying eight rebounds, along with five assists and two steals.
- Freshman James O’Donnell displayed his talent off the bench, registering a season-best eight points on 4-of-6 shooting, while also grabbing four rebounds in just 13 minutes of play.
- Freshman Karl Poom and transfer Drew Ardouin achieved significant milestones, scoring their first points in Division I play.
UP NEXT:
San Francisco will remain in The City this week as they prepare for a crucial matchup against Memphis, set to take place at the Chase Center in a neutral site contest on Thursday, November 21. The game will be broadcast live on ESPNU at 7:00 p.m., featuring commentary by Barry Tompkins and Dan Belluomini. Fans can also catch the action on KNBR 1050, with Pat Olson and Jim Brovelli on the mic. For more information on live streaming, radio broadcasts, live statistics, and ticketing, visit the team’s schedule page.
FOLLOW US:
Follow the San Francisco men’s basketball program on social media for updates and more, including on Twitter @USFDonsMBB, Instagram @USFDonsMBB, and Facebook @USFDonsMBB.
MERCHANDISE:
Want to dress like the Dons? Get your official San Francisco Dons gear from the University of San Francisco bookstore today! Click here to purchase.
SPONSOR US:
The University of San Francisco Athletics Department expresses gratitude to our sponsor Planet Orange for their ongoing support of San Francisco Athletics. Interested in becoming a sponsor? Reach out to Frank Allocco, the Executive Senior Associate Athletics Director of External Relations, at [email protected] or by phone at (415) 422-4561.
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How can I stay updated on USF Dons news and events through social media?
Insights on games, highlights, and more. You can find us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @USFDonsMBB.
ABOUT THE DONS:
The University of San Francisco Dons are a proud member of the West Coast Conference (WCC). With a storied basketball history, the Dons strive for excellence on and off the court, competing at the highest level while fostering a culture of teamwork, respect, and sportsmanship.
CONTACT:
For media inquiries, please contact the USF Athletic Communications department. You can reach us at [email protected].
GO DONS!
Your support makes a difference. Join us at the next game and cheer on the Dons as they continue their quest for a successful season!