Seaside, Calif.--- Behind a strong second half, it was the SF State Gators' men's basketball team improving to 5-0 with a 70-65 victory over a perennial West Region power Seattle Pacific (3-2). Alex Thomas (Vallejo, California, Dominican University)paced the Gators with a season high 22 points as he was 6 of 12 from the field, 1 of 3 from three's, and 9 of 10 from the charity stripe. The Gators forced 13 turnovers by their opponents while only turning the ball over seven times. 

            “Our defense stepped up when the game was on the table and Phoenix O'Rourke (San Mateo, California, Junipero Serra) andRyan Wessels (Napa, California, Napa Valley College) were again big for us off the bench,” said SF State Head Coach Bill Treseler. “These last three wins will stand up for us later if we can do a good job in conference play,” added Treseler. “The challenge gets tougher as we approach CCAA play, and we're looking forward to getting back to our fans next week.”

            Seattle Pacific jumped out to a 28-17 lead with 7:34 to go in the half. The Gators cut the lead to 30-27 as they went on a 10-2 run in the next three minutes. The Falcons took a 34-30 lead into the locker room at half. 

            SF State outscored the Falcons 12-7 in the first nine minutes to take its first lead of the half, 42-41, on two made throws by Alex Thomas. The Gators outscored Seattle Pacific in the next four minutes 16-6 to increase their lead to double digits 58-47 capped by a Robert Hayes (San Diego, California)made three. 

            Seattle Pacific then followed that Gator run with a 18-5 run of its own to cut the SF State lead to 65-63 with 1:22 left in regulation, but the Gators finished the game outscoring their opponents 5-2 in the final 82 seconds to take the 70-65 victory. 

            The Gators out-rebounded Seattle Pacific 30-27 including grabbing 13 offensive rebounds led by Darryl Robinson (San Mateo, California, Canada College)'s eight rebounds. They also shot 79% from the line going 23-29 with Thomas and Ryan Wessels leading the way going 9 of 10 and 7 of 8 respectively.

            SF State will begin a four-game home stand this Friday, December 5 with its conference opener against Cal State Stanislaus with tip-off set for 7:30pm.