SAN FRANCISCO — In a Tuesday night game against NCAA Division I San Francisco, the Sonoma State Seawolves fell by a final score of 78-55 at War Memorial Gymnasium. The matchup—which counted exhibition game for the Seawolves but toward the Dons' regular-season record—had been on the each team's schedule since last season, but in light of the tragic North Bay fires which ravaged much of Sonoma County in early October, the contest took on a much deeper meaning for the teams.
The contest, renamed the Fire Relief Game, was held in effort to assist those affected by the North Bay fires by bringing attention to Sonoma State's aid mechanism, NomaGives,
Dons and Seawolves Team Up for Fire Relief Game | University of San Fransisco
The Dons and Seawolves traded three-pointers to start the game before San Fransisco went on a 25-0 run for the next 6:20 of play, opening up a 28-3 lead. Jackson Gion countered with a jumper and a three-pointer of his own before the Dons opened up a 29-point lead—their largest of the half—with 5:01 remaining in the period.
The teams headed to the locker room at halftime with the score standing at 45-19 in favor of the Dons.
The Seawolves cut their deficit to 24 on an Eric Nielsen jumper to start the second half, but San Francisco eventually worked their way to a game-high 36-point lead, 67-31, with 9:15 remaining in the game. Sonoma State put good pressure on their Division I opponent for the remainder of the game, putting together a 24-11 run in the final 8:10 of play, working their way back to a 78-55 final score. Jeremy Lillis highlighted the final minutes of the game, putting up seven points in the last 3:35.
Following the exhibition loss, 2-2 Sonoma State looks forward to opening CCAA play on the road versus Cal State Monterey Bay, Saturday, Nov. 25. The Otters and Seawolves tipoff at 7:30pm PT in Seaside.
For more information on how to contribute to NomaGives or how to get involved, please visit sonoma.edu/nomacares.
"People [in the North Bay] need thoughts and prayers but most of all they need our dollars to help them pick up the pieces and start over," said Head Coach Pat Fuscaldo. "Please help in any way you can. God is watching not only over all of us but what we do and how we treat one another."
