On Saturday night on the Hilltop, the San Francisco Dons hosted the Santa Clara Broncos in the Holy War. Both teams have always been rivals, and as both teams had good teams in the 2024-25 season, this game was highly anticipated.
Entering the game, the top players for the Dons were Malik Thomas and Marcus Williams. Two of the best veteran guards in the conference had been great all season, but needed to truly step up to get a rival victory at home.
Santa Clara on the other hand, was more of a multi scoring attack. Adama-Alpha Bal was their main scorer, while having Christoph Tilly inside made for a great frontcourt that surely would damage the Dons. Outside of their big men, Carlos Stewart Jr. and Elijah Mahi were great guards that helped lead the Broncos.
A notable injury was Ndwedo Newbury, who had suffered an injury a few weeks ago in Milwaukee, in a contest against Loyola Chicago. Without their big man, the Dons would have to be elite from the exterior, and rely on guys such as Carlton Linguard Jr. and Barry Wang to help lead them to victory.
Near the midway point in the first half, Santa Clara had taken a commanding 10 point lead. Johnny O’Neil, just a 5 point per game scorer, hit three three pointers in a span of four plays.
Regardless, the Dons were able to fight back, and bring the score up to 47-45 at the half, yet still trailing.
The entire second half was back and forth, with no team creating more than a six point lead. It still seemed as if the Broncos were in control.
It was even entering the final two minute mark. This is when Malik Thomas continued to go off. His 23 second half points fueled a late comeback, and a late three with 1:24 left tied the game. Despite Santa Clara leading by four with 47 seconds left, Marcus Williams hit a three to stay in it, and Thomas hit all three free throws to tie the game after another Bronco bucket.
On the final play, Carlos Stewart Jr. missed a three, but Christoph Tilly got the rebound, and the foul.
At the line, Tilly missed his free throw, and the game went into overtime.
The Dons dominated in overtime, and squeaked out the victory as Stewart Jr. missed a half court shot to tie it.
Thomas led the way for the Dons, with an astonishing 34 points. Williams helped with 23 and 8 assists. In the frontcourt, Riley IV and Linguard Jr. had 11 each.
For the Broncos, O’Neil broke out with 20 points, while Tilly had 20 as well. Stewart Jr. was great for Santa Clara too, with an all-around statline. He put up 13 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists.
Overall, this was a great rivalry matchup, and both teams are due for great seasons. The Dons travel to Stockton to face Pacific on Thursday, while the Broncos travel to face San Diego.