The 2011 CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament has reached its quarterfinals, and one of the four matchups scheduled in the bracket features a Bay Area battle. The 2011 CIT will see the University of San Francisco Dons host the Santa Clara University Broncos, with a spot in the CIT semifinals on the line. The game takes place at 7:00pm pacific tonight at War Memorial Gymnasium.
The Dons enter this game off an upset road victory over the Hawaii Warriors. The Dons were six point underdogs but made a strong comeback late to get the victory. The victory improved them to 19-14 on the season. The Broncos had little trouble in a home victory over the Air Force Falcons, which improved them to 21-14 on the season. Although Santa Clara has the better record, USF swept the season series, finished higher in the WCC standings, and has a better RPI.
The Dons are a slim 2 1/2-point favorite. USF is 19-10-1 against the spread this year, while Santa Clara is 13-15-2. The Dons had a tough time in non-conference play but turned things around with an impressive effort in WCC play. They are led in scoring by MIchael Williams (14.9 PPG) and Rashad Green (12.3 PPG) and in rebounding by Perris Blackwell (6.9 RPG) and Angelo Caloiaro (7.2 RPG). The Broncos are led in scoring by Kevin Foster (19.7 PPG) and in rebounding by Marc Trasolini (6.1 RPG).