San Francisco downs North Texas to take Game 1 of CBI Finals

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – Jordan Ratinho (pictured) and Chase Foster scored 17 points apiece to lead San Francisco to a 72-62 win over North Texas to take the first game of the best-of-three College Basketball Invitational Finals.

San Francisco will look to wrap up the series on Wednesday when the Dons travel to North Texas for an 8:30pm (ET) tip on ESPNU at The Super Pit in Denton.

In addition to his 17 points, Foster also handed six assists and hauled down 10 rebounds. Frankie Ferrari had 13 points and nine assists, Matt McCarthy posted 10 points and 11 rebounds, and Nate Renfro had 10 points and eight rebounds.

The Dons led for almost the entire game with their lead peaking at 18 points on several occasions. USF led 46-30 at the half on 16-of-33 (.484) shooting from the field, including 12-of-18 (.667) from three. The Mean Green, on the other hand, were 13-of-35 (.371) at intermission, including just 2-of-11 (.182) from behind the arc.

When all was said and done, the game was won by USF’s long distance shooting as the Dons ended the game 14-of-33 (.424) from three while North Texas was 4-of-21 (.190).

The Mean Green, who scored 90 or more points in each of their previous three CBI games, received a team-high 15 points from Roosevelt Smart. Ryan Woolridge and Michael Miller had 12 points each, and Zachary Simmons registered 10 points and a CBI record 22 rebounds.

The best-of-three CBI Finals between USF and North Texas continues on Wednesday as the series shifts to North Texas. Tip time for Game 2 is 8:30pm (ET) on ESPNU with Roy Philpott and Jason Capel calling the action. Should a third game be needed, it will be held at North Texas on Friday, March 30, at 7:00pm (ET), also on ESPNU.