USD’s Second-Half Team Goes on Shooting Spree in 66-39 Win

University of San Diego guard Kiki Jackson commented earlier in the week that instead of attempting to win games, the Toreros have been trying not to lose. Such appeared to be the case early in Saturday’s 66-39 win against Southwest Baptist University before 316 fans in the USD Sports Center.

The Toreros (11-4) played a mistake-prone first half which found them trailing by three points, 28-25, at halftime against a supposedly inferior Southwest Baptist team. USD has been troubled by pressing teams this season, and the Bearcats (5-11) used this fact to their advantage in the first half with a full-court, zone press that helped cause 19 Torero turnovers.

The Toreros were able to solve the press when USD Coach Hank Egan started a smaller, quicker team in the second half. USD still trailed by three points, 36-33, with 15:32 remaining in the game, but went on a 16-2 tear in the game’s next 9:40 that provided the team with a 49-38 lead. The Toreros scored 15 of the game’s final 16 points, limiting the Bearcats to Rich Howard’s free throw at 6:21.

Led by Jackson, Egan’s second-half starters were also better outside shooters. Jackson finished with a game-high 18 points on 9-for-14 shooting from the floor. USD forward Anthony Reuss turned in another solid performance with 12 points and 18 rebounds. Guard Chris Carr had 11, and Pete Murphy added 10. Rodney Noel was the only Southwest Baptist player in double figures with 13 points.

USD hit 18 of 23 shots in the second half and finished 29 for 46 for the game. Southwest Baptist went cold in the second half, finishing the game 13 for 46 for 28% from the floor.

The Toreros, who have won six straight games and all 10 at home this season, open West Coast Athletic Conference play when they host Pepperdine Saturday.