WCAC Roundup : Bell Sparks USF Rally to Beat Gonzaga

James Bell scored 12 of his 14 points in the second half as USF erased a 14-point deficit and rallied for a 67-64 West Coast Athletic Conference victory Friday night over Gonzaga at Spokane, Wash.

Bell’s three-point shot with 1:43 left put the Dons ahead, 65-64. It was their first lead since the opening minute of the game.

Senior center Mark McCathrion led the Dons with 17 points and five assists, and Kevin Mouton had 13 points.

The Dons improved to 5-4 in the WCAC and 13-9 overall.

Gonzaga was led by forward Jim McPhee’s 23 points, and Doug Spradley added 18 for the Bulldogs, who slipped to 3-6 in conference play, 12-10 overall.

Santa Clara 58, Portland 57--Jens Gordon hit one of two free throws with 17 seconds left to give the Broncos the victory over the Pilots at Portland.

After Gordon’s free throw, Erik Spoelstra missed a three-point shot for Portland. The Pilots’ Andy Johnson rebounded the ball but also missed with 2 seconds left.

Gordon scored a game-high 21 points for Santa Clara. Jefty Connelly added 12 points for the Broncos (15-6 and 5-4).

Steven Hutchinson scored 16 points to lead Portland (1-21 and 1-8).

The game was close throughout, with neither team leading by more than six points. Portland led, 28-24, at halftime.