Broncos edge Dons, move to .500 in WCC

Sophomore forward Josip Vrankic scored 20 points and grabbed nine rebounds to lead Santa Clara past visiting USF 68-65 on Saturday night, snapping the Dons’ four-game winning streak.

The Broncos (15-13, 7-7 WCC) had three others score in double figures: sophomore guard Tahj Eaddy with 16 points, and freshman forward Guglielmo Caruso and freshman guard Trey Wertz, each with 13.

The loss could be a substantial blow to the postseason hopes of the Dons (21-7, 9-5), who were led by senior guard Frankie Ferrari with 17 points and nine assists. USF center Jimbo Lull, a 7-foot junior from Manhattan Beach, added 12 points in 18 minutes of playing time. Dons forward Nate Renfro contributed nine points and seven rebounds.

St. Mary’s 66, San Diego 46: Jordan Ford scored 21 points and Malik Fitts had 11 points and 11 rebounds for the visiting Gaels in their fourth straight win. Tanner Krebs and Tommy Kuhse had 10 points apiece and Jordan Hunter 11 rebounds for St. Mary’s (19-10, 10-4 WCC). Senior Isaiah Pineiro had 13 points and 14 rebounds for the Toreros (17-12, 6-8). The Gaels had a 17-point lead midway through the second half before San Diego closed within 11. But Ford hit a 3- pointer to give St. Mary’s a 47-33 lead. St. Mary’s outrebounded San Diego 43-30 and the Toreros shot only 29.4 percent from the floor (15 of 51).

Air Force 82, San Jose State 68: Lavelle Scottie had 25 points for the host Falcons (12-15, 7-8 Mountain West). Michael Steadman had 21 points and 17 rebounds for the Spartans (3-23, 0-14), who have lost 17 consecutive games.