SAN DIEGO – USD men's basketball clawed back late but ultimately dropped a 71-68 decision to Idaho State on Friday afternoon in the Jenny Craig Pavilion.
 
The Toreros faced a 17-point deficit with six minutes left in the game, but fought back through improved 3-point shooting and defense.
 
USD shot 7-11 (63.6%) from deep in the second half, 50% from the field. After the six-minute mark, San Diego's defense held the guests to just one made field goal the rest of the way. That 17-point Bengal lead was shortened to four with 16 seconds left, but it wasn't enough in the end as Idaho State converted on its free throws.
 
Senior Juanse Gorosito led San Diego in scoring with 15 points, adding five assists.
 
The Toreros were outrebounded by five but finished ahead on 3-point shooting, free-throw shooting, steals and assist-to-turnover ratio.  
 
Up Next
San Diego (1-1) will look to rebound as they host another Gem State side in the Idaho Vandals, Wednesday in the home confines of the Jenny Craig Pavilion at 6 p.m., streaming live on ESPN+.