Men's Basketball Splits WCC Games

By Henry Gula

The Santa Clara men's basketball team was able to pick up one win last week against the University of Portland, but continued in its struggles against the conference's elite, losing by double digits the following game to Brigham Young University.

Forward Marc Trasolini's sixth double-double of the season set the tone for the Broncos against Portland.

"I just came out and got going early and tried to be really aggressive throughout the game," said Trasolini. "In the past we've had a couple games where we've let teams back in it so I was just trying to really play tough and make sure we finished the game off."

Against BYU, the Broncos had a strong first half but dropped off in the second half, letting the Cougars pull away on a 9-0 run.

"They're a talented team," said sixth-year Head Coach Kerry Keating. "You can't always try to outscore people and we had some defensive lapses early and late that cost us."

The Broncos let the Cougars go on a similar run in their earlier meeting at the Leavey Center, losing touch after an 18-0 BYU run.

"We could have rebounded better," said guard Kevin Foster. "We watched the film and we didn't play like we were capable of. It happens sometimes, but we have to learn from it."

The Broncos now sit at 17-7 overall and 5-4 in the West Coast Conference. 

Their next game is tonight against Bay Area rival Saint Mary's College. The Gaels are 8-1 in conference and will pose a formidable challenge to Santa Clara.

"(We) are well prepared and anxious for the challenge," said Keating. "We're as talented and capable as anyone we play, making sure we stay within ourselves and don't beat ourselves as much as we can."

Foster, Trasolini and Raymond Cowels III all agreed that defense would be the key to the game. 

"Defense wins games," said Cowels.

Saint Mary's guard Matthew Dellavedova is a dangerous player, one that the Broncos will have to focus on all night.

"He's a great point guard in our league," said Cowels. "We have to keep him from facilitating for them, not letting them do what they want every play like they tend to against other teams."

Trasolini added, "They're a great team, great program, coach and players, but I think they're definitely beatable."

Keating cited their deep post rotation, similar to that of Santa Clara. "When you're playing the better teams that have established themselves you have to be better and our guys know that they can which is why we're optimistic moving forward," he said. 

Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. in the Leavey Center.

Contact Henry Gula at hgula@scu.edu or call (408) 554-4852.