USIU Knocks Sacramento Down, Not Out, in 117-98 Victory

there is one thing the U.S. International men’s basketball team should have learned by now, it’s killer instinct. They’ve seen it often enough.

The Gulls went into places like Oklahoma and Arkansas this season and were beaten soundly.

Which is why Coach Gary Zarecky was upset after the Gulls (7-10) rolled over visiting Cal State Sacramento, 117-98, Tuesday night.

“We tried to implant in their heads what they should have learned against Oklahoma and Arkansas,” Zarecky said. “If you’re going to lose like that, you better learn something.

“When you get someone down like that you have to play harder. Especially when we haven’t enjoyed that kind of lead before.”

The subject of Zarecky’s frustration came with the Gulls leading, 80-61, with 9:51 left. Instead of putting away Division II Sacramento, the Gulls erratic offense and lethargic defense allowed the Hornets to rally.

Sacramento (11-9) outscored USIU, 12-2, to trail by just, 93-84, with 3:14 left. But the Hornets never got closer. Demetrius Laffitte made a free throw and then scored after getting the rebound on his missed second shot to give USIU a 101-89 lead. Mark Jones scored on a layup to pull the Hornets within 101-91, but Laffitte scored on another inside basket to start a 10-0 USIU run that finally put the game out of reach.

Guard Steve Smith scored eight of the Gulls’ final 12 points and finished with 12 points, 10 assists and three blocks.

Sacramento tried to run with the Gulls, but eventually couldn’t keep up and constantly committed fouls. The Hornets finished with 35 fouls and USIU made 43 of 57 free throws. Sacramento was 17 of 21 from the line.

Kevin Bradshaw was 14 of 17 from the line and finished with 36 points to lead USIU. Laffitte finished with 26 points and 15 rebounds and freshman Issac Brown added 25 points on 10 of 14 shooting. Mike Kane scored 22 points despite playing just 15 minutes for the Hornets.

The Gulls reached the 100-point mark for the eighth time this season and won their third consecutive game--their longest winning streak this season.

USIU will have a chance to expand that streak to four when it hosts Point Loma Nazarene Thursday to conclude a nine-game home stand. The Gulls will then play six of their next seven games on the road, where they have yet to win this season.