CBI Tournament Game Recap: Santa Clara Dominates the Second Half to Beat Wright State

Jan 5, 2013; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Santa Clara Broncos head coach Kerry Keating speaks with guard Kevin Foster (21) during the second half against the Gonzaga Bulldogs at Leavey Center. The Gonzaga Bulldogs defeated the Santa Clara Broncos 81-74. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Santa Clara advanced to the CBI final by beating the Wright State Raider this afternoon by a score of 81 to 69. After being down 36-34 at halftime, the Broncos outscored the Raiders 47 to 33 in the second half in a dominating effort. Kevin Foster was phenomenal tonight, with 33 points, 3 assists and 3 steals. In the duration of the CBI tournament, Foster has scored with relative ease; the senior guard is averaging 30 points per game throughout the tournament.

The Broncos were led on the glass by sophomore forward Yannick Atanga, who grabbed 9 rebounds. As a team, Santa Clara out-rebounded Wright State  33 to 28. The Broncos ability to control the glass was a large factor in their victory over the Raiders. Raymond Cowels III and Niyi Harrison each added 5 rebounds on top of the 9 by Atanga.

Santa Clara point guard Evan Roquemore did a great job running the Broncos offense in this contest. The junior had 5 assists and only 1 turnover. Roquemore was also the only other Bronco to score in double figures that was not named Kevin Foster, with 13 points.

John McArthur was another player who had an efficient night for the Broncos. He had 8 points on 4 of 6 shooting, and had four rebounds, three of which were on the offensive end. McArthur was the  unsung hero in this game, who didn’t necessarily shine on the state sheet. However, while watching the second half, it was apparent how crucial he was to this Bronco team.

Santa Clara will host the George Mason Patriots in a best of three series in the championship round of the CBI. George Mason took down Western Michigan earlier tonight to earn their berth. The game will be played on Monday, April 1st, time TBD.