Mitchell Lobetos

Sports Editor

The Dons played an exhibition match against Cal State Monterey Bay on Friday, Nov. 4. It was San Francisco one and only preseason game and they looked liked a well-oiled machine ready to defend their WCC title.

To open up the game the Dons went on a 13-2 run fueled by inside scoring and a 3-pointer to start the scoring by junior Kalyn Simon. By the end of the first quarter, USF was up 22-15. In the second quarter San Francisco continued to dominate in the paint and were making use of their trips to the free throw line. All but four of their 25 points came via the paint of free throw. Michaela Rakova scored 11 second quarter points and the lone shot she missed in the second quarter was her 3-point attempt. San Francisco went into halftime with a 49-26 lead.

In the second half it was more dominance by the Dons as they found their way to doubling up on the Otters when they found themselves up 60-30 after a Simon layup. As the third quarter continued the Dons continued to maintain the 30 point cushion finishing the third quarter 75-44. Fourth quarter scoring was much more competitive but still favored the dons 24-21. By games end San Francisco was a point shy of 100 points in their crushing victory over Monterey Bay 99-65.

The Dons shot an efficient 38-74(51.4%) from the field and outrebounded the Otters 54-34. Though USF shot an inefficient 5-17(29.4%) from 3-point land, they were able to make up for it with their 18-25(72%) from the charity stripe, 18 second-chance points and 46 points in the paint. Rakova and freshman Ninni Salmi led the offense with 22 and 15 points respectively and each hauled in seven rebounds. The team’s dominance in the paint and on the glass is what led to the sure-handed victory.

San Francisco’s regular season tips off at home this Friday at 6pm at the Sobrato Center at War Memorial. Be sure to come out and support their road to a WCC title defense or follow live on theW.tv.

Photo Credits: Dons Athletics/ Flickr