USIU Prevails to Halt 6-Game Losing Streak

The U.S. International University men’s basketball team ended a 21-day trip by stopping their 6-game losing streak with a 94-89 victory over Coppin State Monday night in Baltimore.

Gary Williams had 24 points and 10 rebounds, Demetrius Laffitte had 20 points and 10 rebounds and Steve Smith made 2 free throws with 6 seconds to play for USIU (4-8).

The trip began Nov. 29 with a loss at USC, crisscrossed the country and ended at Coppin State. The Gulls were 2-8 on the trip.

USIU led, 47-46, at halftime and by no more than 8 during the game. With USIU’S big men, Mike Sterner and Matt Judd, having fouled out, Coppin State had a chance to tie the game with 24 seconds to play. With the score, 92-89, Coppin State (3-3) attempted 3 3-point shots, but none fell and Smith got the rebound, was fouled with 6 seconds left, and secured the win.

USIU returns to Golden Hall for the first time in a month to play Montana Dec. 28.

Boys’ winners in the East region of the San Diego County Pepsi/NBA Hotshot tournament are: Greg Porrier (9-12), Dorian Williams (13-15), John Koustner (13-15) and Ty Tabada (16-18). Victoria Baronian (9-12), Lynn Riorden (13-15) and Donna Bryson (16-18) took the girls’ divisions.

The West finals are today at Kearny High and the South finals are Wednesday at Montgomery High. Registration is 9 a.m. and competition begins at 10 a.m. The events are free and sponsored by the S.D. Police Athletic League (231-9567).