San Francisco Dons Outlast Washington State Cougars in WCC Tournament Clash
The San Francisco Dons men’s basketball team continued their impressive run in the West Coast Conference (WCC) Tournament, eliminating the Washington State Cougars with a commanding 86-75 victory. This win marks their second victory over WSU this season and propels them to the next stage of the tournament.
Key Performances in the San Francisco vs. Washington State Game
Washington State Standouts:
- Ethan Price led the Cougars with an impressive 26 points.
- LeJuan Watts followed closely behind with 20 points.
- Nate Calmese recorded his first career double-double, posting 16 assists and 11 rebounds.
San Francisco’s Dominance:
- Ryan Beasley topped all scorers with 29 points, including four three-pointers.
Key Factors in the Game
Despite a competitive effort from Washington State, two crucial aspects determined the outcome:
- Rebounding Disparity – WSU managed only five offensive rebounds, compared to San Francisco’s 49 total rebounds.
- Free Throws – The Cougars struggled at the stripe, shooting only 11-of-20.
WSU head coach Riley expressed gratitude for his team’s effort, stating:
“I just want to reiterate how grateful I am to coach these guys. This game was tough, but I thought we really fought. At some points, we just ran out of gas.”
San Francisco Dons vs. Gonzaga Bulldogs – WCC Semifinal Showdown
The San Francisco Dons (24-8, 13-5 WCC) will now face the No. 2 seed Gonzaga Bulldogs (23-8, 14-4 WCC) in the WCC Tournament semifinals on Monday at Orleans Arena, with the game set to tip off at 11:30 p.m. ET.
Gonzaga vs. San Francisco Key Insights
Game Information:
- Date: Monday, March 10, 2025
- Time: 11:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Orleans Arena, Paradise, Nevada
- TV Broadcast: ESPN2
Probabilities:
- Spread: Gonzaga (-14.5)
- Moneyline: Gonzaga (-1449) | San Francisco (+810)
- Over/Under: 154.5 points
- ATS Pick: San Francisco (+14.5)
- Over/Under Pick: Under (154.5)
- Projected Final Score: Gonzaga 81, San Francisco 70
What to Expect in the Matchup
Gonzaga’s Strengths
- The Bulldogs enter the game as heavy favorites, given their dominant regular season performance.
- They possess strong perimeter shooting and an efficient offensive game.
San Francisco’s Upset Potential
- The Dons have demonstrated resilience and strong defensive play throughout the tournament.
- If Ryan Beasley replicates his stellar performance against WSU, San Francisco could cover the spread and potentially challenge Gonzaga late in the game.
Conclusion
The San Francisco Dons’ impressive victory over the Washington State Cougars has firmly positioned them as strong contenders in the WCC Tournament. Ryan Beasley’s standout performance, with 29 points, was a key factor in the Dons’ success. However, as they prepare to face the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the semifinals, they will need to maintain a high level of play. Gonzaga, a dominant force in the WCC and nationally, enters the game as the heavy favorite. Despite this, San Francisco has already demonstrated resilience and defensive strength throughout the tournament, making them a dangerous opponent.
San Francisco’s ability to execute on defense, limit second-chance opportunities, and dominate the boards will be crucial against a team like Gonzaga, known for their offensive power. In their previous game, the Dons out-rebounded Washington State by a significant margin, securing 49 total rebounds compared to the Cougars’ five offensive boards. This kind of performance will be vital against the Bulldogs, who boast a formidable presence in the paint. Additionally, free-throw shooting will play an important role, as Gonzaga has been known to capitalize on such opportunities.
Ryan Beasley’s performance will also be instrumental in keeping the offense running smoothly. If he can replicate his stellar 29-point game, he will give the Dons a fighting chance to challenge Gonzaga’s defense. While the Bulldogs’ talent makes them the likely winner, San Francisco’s strong tournament play and potential for an upset make this semifinal an exciting matchup. If the Dons continue to play with the same intensity, they could very well challenge Gonzaga late in the game.
Fans are in for an exciting, high-stakes showdown, as the Dons look to continue their impressive run in the WCC Tournament. The next game will undoubtedly be one to remember!
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