WCAC Roundup : San Diego Routs Santa Clara, 80-61, Holds Lead

Paul Leonard and Mark Manor scored 17 points each Saturday night, and the University of San Diego maintained its grip on the West Coast Athletic Conference lead with an 80-61 victory over Santa Clara on the losers’ court.

The Toreros (14-4 overall, 5-1 in the WCAC) made 68% of their shots in the second half and increased a 36-34 halftime lead to as many as 25 points in the final minutes.

Scott Thompson added 12 points, and Nils Madden had 11 for San Diego.

Chris Lane scored 16 points for Santa Clara (12-8, 3-3).

Gonzaga 87, Portland 55--Paul Walker came off the bench to score 16 points and lead the Bulldogs past the Pilots at Spokane, Wash.

The Bulldogs (13-5, 4-1) scored 17 straight points during a five-minute span in the second half to break open the game and remain one-half game behind San Diego.

Gonzaga’s Roger Boch hit two free throws with four minutes remaining in the first half to break a 32-32 tie and the Bulldogs scored eight more points in a row for a 42-32 halftime lead.

Dale Haaland added 13 points for Gonzaga, while Mike Champion and Marlon Wadlington had 12 each. Adam Simmons scored nine points for Portland (10-8, 2-3).

St. Mary’s 66, USF 63--David Carter scored 18 points, including 8 straight free throws in the second half, to lead the Gaels past the Dons at San Francisco.

The Dons (12-7, 2-4) had a 28-26 halftime lead, but St. Mary’s (11-9, 2-4) started the second half with a 19-4 surge to take control of the game.

USF’s Mike D’Aloisio hit three three-pointers to move the Dons within 54-51 with 6:06 left, but Carter’s free throws helped keep the Gaels in front.