USF to Challenge Toreros’ Perfect Home Record

The University of San Diego basketball team, unbeaten at home, takes on the University of San Francisco at the USD Sports Center tonight at 7:30.

The Toreros (2-1 in the West Coast Athletic Conference, 11-4 overall) are coming off a 73-51 win over Santa Clara Thursday night here. USD and USF are in a four-way tiefor first in WCAC with Gonzaga and Loyola Marymount.

After holding off Boise State by two points in its home opener, USD’s average margin of victory at home has been 17 points over the last five games.

A year ago, when USD hosted USF, the Toreros pulled away from a 21-14 halftime lead to win, 72-39. USF, in its first year back after suspending its basketball program for three years, finished last in the conference.

However, this season, the Dons, coached by former USD coach Jim Brovelli, are much improved. USF was 10-3 in nonconference games, then won its first two conference games last weekend. The Dons’ first conference loss came Thursday night at St. Mary’s.

Rodney Tention, a 6-foot 2-inch guard who formerly played at Grossmont College and for USD Coach Hank Egan at Air Force, is among the Dons’ top scorers. Sophomore center Mark McCathrion (6-8) and junior forward Pat Giusti (6-9) lead USF up front.

The Toreros, meanwhile, can’t be too sure on what to expect from their starters up front. Scott Thompson, USD’s 7-foot center, had 23 points and 11 rebounds against Santa Clara, but he failed to get a rebound the game before, a loss to Gonzaga.