Rohnert Park, Calif.--- SF State Gators outscored the Northwest Nazarene Crusaders (2-1) 57-42 in the second half to key their 87-73 win in the Championship game of the Ron Logsdon Classic this evening in Rohnert Park. This also was an important early season in-region victory for the Gators as the Crusaders received a bid to the NCAA Division II Championships last season.
Alex Thomas (Vallejo, California, Dominican University)and the Tournament's Most Valuable Player,
Robert Hayes (San Diego, California, St. Augustine's) led the Gators with 18 points apiece while
Darryl Robinson (San Mateo, California, Canada College) chipped in 14.
Will Logan (Apple Valley, California, Apple Valley)and
Brad Visman (Placerville, California, UC Riverside)each chipped in 11 points.
“Our defense kept a very potent offense from getting loose in the second half and in the second half our defense created some scoring opportunities as well,” said SF State Head Coach Bill Treseler. “
Brad Visman and
Alex Thomas were key in the second half but no question it was a total team effort.”
The first half went back and forth with five ties. The Crusaders built a 24-16 lead with 5:38 to go, but SF State (3-0) outscored Northwest Nazarene 15-6 in the final to cut into the Crusader lead 31-30 going into the locker room.
SF State continued its run into the second half with a 15-3 run to take a 45-33 lead on a three by
Thomas off an assist from
Darryl Robinson. The Gators increased their lead to 62-46 on a lay-up by
Will Logan with 9:48 to go in the game. SF State never let the Crusaders to cut the Gator lead under 13 as SF State held on for a 87-73 victory.
The Gators shot 51.7% from the field including 41% from three-point land and 74% from the charity stripe. They also forced 19 turnovers by the Crusaders and held Northwest Nazarene to just 33% from three-point land. SF State had 11 steals including four by
Thomas, who was named to the All-Tournament Team as well as
Visman.
SF State returns to the court this weekend in Seaside, when the Gators participate in the Otter Classic. The Gators will face Concordia of St. Paul on Friday the 28at 5:30pm. Then on Saturday the 29, they will face Seattle Pacific at 5:30pm.
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