SAN FRANCISCO – Close after 20 minutes, Fresno State was outscored by 15 in the second half in a 77-57 defeat to San Francisco on Friday evening at War Memorial at the Sobrato Center. The Bulldogs were outscored by 36 points behind the 3-point line as USF was 15-of-29.
The Bulldogs were led by Xavier DuSell who had nine points on 3-of-6 shooting from 3. The Dons had three players in double figures, led by Malik Thomas' 22.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Holding an early 10-8 advantage, Fresno State saw it disappear behind the San Francisco 3-point line. Three straight unanswered in less than two minutes forced a timeout from the 'Dogs. USF extended its run to 13-0 to go up 21-10. Isaiah Hill ended the run with just over 10 minutes to play. The Bulldogs connected on five straight possessions, with the fifth being a triple from Xavier Dusell that brought the Dogs within two at 23-21 with 7:06 on the clock.
Fresno State finished the half hitting seven of their last nine following a layup from Jalen Weaver at the buzzer that made it 39-34.
DuSell's third 3-pointer of the night a minute-and-a-half into the second pulled the 'Dogs within four. USF then went on a 12-0 run with nine of those points coming off four Bulldog turnovers as the Dons' advantage extended to 16 at 53-37.
Following a dunk by Leo Colimerio on an inbound play with 12:07 on the clock, the Bulldogs went cold, missing on seven straight attempts as the Dons lead increased to 21 with under seven minutes to play.
NOTES
Fresno State was held below 60 points for the third time this season.
Fresno State allowed a season-high 15 3-pointers (15-of-29).
Fresno State did not have a player score in double figures for the first time this season.
UP NEXT
Fresno State will continue its road stretch, heading to San Diego on Dec. 29. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. and stream on ESPN+.