KENTFIELD, Calif.– Using a total team effort, the San Francisco State Gators' men's basketball team improved to 9-0 overall and 3-0 in the CCAA with a 65-63 road conference win over the Sonoma State Seawolves (5-3, 1-1 CCAA).
Nick Calcaterra was one of three Gators to score in double digits as had a season high 19 points on seven of 10 shooting from the field including going three-for-six from three-point range.
The Gators went on a 13-0 run mid-way in the first half to take a 19-6 capped by a
Chiefy Ugbaja lay-up off an assist from
Warren Jackson. They increased that lead to 21 (largest of the game) 35-14 on a three by
Jash Kahlon off another assist from Jackson. Sonoma State cut the Gator lead to 37-24 heading into the half on a three by Jackson Gion.
The hosts kept their run going as they cut the Gator lead to single digits on two made throws by Aramani Nicolis, 45-36, in the first four minutes of the second half.
Parker U'u keyed a 5-0 run in the next minute as he assisted on a three by Calcaterra and then scored on a lay-up as the Gators increased their lead to 50-36.
Sonoma State would not go away as the Seawolves tied the game at 61-61 on a jumper by Khalid Johnson with 4:17 on the clock. Two made throws by Jackson gave the Gators back the lead, 63-61. Then a huge block by
AJ Kahlon kept the guests with the lead. A lay-up by
Chiefy Ugbaja increased SFSU's lead to 65-61, but Johnson made two free throws to cut the Gators' lead to 65-63. Sonoma State had a chance to tie or win the game, but the Gators' defense held firm for the 65-63 SFSU victory.
The Gators will return home tomorrow when they host Simpson University in a non-conference game at 7pm mat The Swamp at The Don Nasser Family Plaza.
GAME NOTES:
GATORS: Nine in a row for the Gators as he improved to 9-0 overall and 3-0 in the CCAA. This season beginning nine-game winning streak tied the longest in school history (1941-42).
COACHES' QUOTES; "I am very proud of our total team effort this evening," said SFSU head coach
Paul Trevor. "Everyone played a big part of the win this evening," added Trevor. "
Nick Calcaterra hit some huge three's for us. Where we need to go, you have to win these type of games on the road in the CCAA. I could not be prouder of our guys tonight."
ANOTHER TRIO: Usually it's the trio of
Warren Jackson,
Coley Apsay and
AJ Kahlon that lead the Gators. Tonight it was the trio of
Nick Calcaterra,
Chiefy Ugbaja and
Parker U'u that led the Gators. The three combined for 49 of the Gators' 65 points tonight.
16 ASSISTS ON 25 FIELD GOALS: The Gators had 16 assists this evening on their 25 made field goals.
Coley Apsay tied his career high with five assists.
Chiefy Ugbaja and
Parker U'u each had three assists while
Warren Jackson had two and
Jash Kahlon had one.
UNDER 70 POINTS: This was just the second win by the Gators when they scored under 70 points in the last two seasons.
POINTS IN THE PAINT: The Gators outscored the Seawolves 26-14 in points in the paint. They also scored 18 points off of turnovers.
UP NEXT: The Gators will return home tomorrow evening at 7pm for a non-conference game with Simpson University at The Swamp at the Don Nasser Family Plaza.
-----
Gator Athletics has a proud tradition of competitive success within the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The department offers 12 intercollegiate sports programs: Baseball, Men's and Women's Basketball, Men's and Women's Cross Country, Men's and Women's Soccer, Softball, Women's Track & Field, Women's Volleyball and Men's Wrestling.
Gator Athletics places great emphasis on academic performance as well as athletic achievement. The program offers student athletes the opportunity to reach their educational goals, as well pursue meaningful athletic accomplishments. For more information, visit SF State Athletics' website, Twitter and Facebook pages.
