USIU Blows Lead, Then Rallies to Win

United States International University showed that it is capable of using its speed and up-tempo style to score a lot of points. But one thing the Gulls also discovered in their season opener against Air Force Saturday night is they still have to learn how to put an opponent away.

The Gulls wasted a 9-point halftime lead and had to battle back for an 82-78 victory at Golden Hall. The victory broke a seven-game losing streak against Air Force and was the Gulls’ first over the Falcons since 1980.

USIU was able to win despite missing on 5 of 6 one-and-one free throw opportunities in the final 2:35. Steve Smith was finally able to connect, hitting both free throws to give USIU an 82-76 lead with 18 seconds remaining.

“We’ve got some work to do,” USIU Coach Gary Zarecky said. “We have some polishing to do. But we’ll take it.”

Air Force scored seven consecutive points to open the second half to cut USIU’s lead to 46-44. The Falcons took their first lead, 63-62, on a 3-pointer by Sean Giles with 12:02 remaining.

Giles, a point guard who played at the University of San Diego High School, then gave Air Force its biggest lead, 68-64, with another 3-pointer.

Giles entered the game after starter Jeff Bowling hit foul trouble with four early in the second half.

But USIU rallied and took a 70-69 lead on a free throw by Demetrius Laffitte as Bowling fouled out with 7:51 remaining. Air Force was then forced to insert Ray Dudley, who was called for his fourth foul at 9:38 of the second half.

Air Force pulled within 77-76 on a free throw by Dudley with 4:23 remaining. The Falcons did not score again until 11 seconds remained.