SAN FRANCISCO – The San Francisco State men's basketball team concluded its two-game exhibition schedule in style on Thursday night, cruising to an 86-61 triumph over the Academy of Art University in the Main Gymnasium.  Five players finished in double figures for the Gators en route to the easy victory, led by senior Alex Thomas' (Vallejo, California, Hogan, Dominican University) game-high 16 points.

“Our defensive intensity was solid and I liked the way we rebounded,” said SF State head coach Bill Treseler.  "Our post players were very aggressive and active.”

The Gators established control early on in the first half, holding the Urban Knights without a field goal for nearly seven minutes after a layup by Dominique Smith gave the visitors their only lead of the contest at 2-0.  During that stretch, SF State built an 18-5 advantage, punctuated by sophomore Phoenix O'Rourke's (San Mateo, California, Junipero Serra) jumper at the 12:23 mark.

The Gators increased their lead to 47-24 by intermission, limiting the Academy of Art to just 7-of-25 shooting (28.0 percent) in the first half.   Following the break, it was more of the same as SF State fashioned a 30-point cushion on four different occasions.

For the game, the Gators finished with a 34-19 advantage in field goals made and also enjoyed a 51-38 margin in rebounds.

In addition to Thomas' effort, SF State received 14 points from junior Derek Fletcher (San Jose, California, Branham), while senior Ryan Wessels (Napa, California, Vintage, Napa Valley College) added 13.  Also aiding the Gator cause were O'Rourke and sophomore Robert Hayes (San Diego, California, St. Augustine), who notched 10 points apiece.

“Clearly there are plenty of improvements that need to be made,” said Treseler.  “But overall it was a good night of progress for our team.”

SF State will return to the court for its regular-season opener on Wednesday, Nov. 19, when it squares off against UC Santa Cruz in the Main Gymnasium.  Tip-off is set for 8 p.m.