USD Questions Answered in 97-90 Loss to AIA

University of San Diego Coach Hank Egan came into Monday’s exhibition basketball game against Athletes in Action looking for answers.

His team, loaded with underclassmen, was facing live competition for the first time since practice began 3 weeks ago. AIA, a San Diego-based team of former Division I players who promote Christianity through basketball, would provide the sparring partner for Egan’s squad.

Answer No. 1 for Egan: His team can play with the big boys. Despite losing, 97-90, the Toreros showed they are quick, can score points and rebound. They outrebounded AIA, 46-33.

Junior guard Craig Cottrell scored 20 points in 26 minutes. Senior guard Danny Means had 18, including 4 of 6 from 3-point range, and senior guard Efrem Leonard scored 16.

But Egan already knew they could play. How about the youngsters? Sophomore forward Randy Thompson had 12 points, including a 3-pointer from 25 feet to give the Toreros a 49-42 halftime lead. Freshman forward Kelvin Woods had 13 rebounds and 9 points, and sophomore center Dondi Bell had 6 rebounds, 8 points and 3 blocked shots.

“I thought we competed pretty well tonight,” Egan said. “We had a very good first half and not as good a second half. But I’m not too sure that wasn’t just shooting. We had trouble putting the ball in the net in the second half. I’ve become like a football coach . . . I’d like to see the films.

“There are three great ways to learn basketball. Hopefully, they get good coaching. They can learn from each other, and they can learn from playing competition like tonight.”

AIA (3-4) was led by former San Diego State player Zack Jones, with 25 points. Former Arizona forward Eddie Smith added 22.

Trailing by 7 at halftime, AIA outscored USD, 29-13, in the first 10 minutes of the second half to take control of the game.