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Gonzaga Basketball

Frankie Ferrari keeps pedal down for Dons’ offense

San Francisco guard Frankie Ferrari (2) reacts after making a 3-point shot on Jan. 27 at the McCarthey Athletic Center in Spokane. (Dan Pelle / The Spokesman-Review)
By Jim Meehan jimm@spokesman.com(509) 459-5585

Frankie Ferrari may look unassuming at 5-feet-11 and 180 pounds, but the junior guard triggers a San Francisco offense that has given Gonzaga fits in two regular-season meetings.

Ferrari hit six 3-pointers and scored 33 points in GU’s two hard-fought wins. Running mate Jordan Ratinho also made six 3s and added 31 points. USF shot 51 percent in a nine-point loss in Spokane.

Ferrari is a quality shooter but he’s equally effective on the dribble, creating for himself and teammates. He had a 13-assist game last week and averages 4.3 per game. He displayed his knack for hitting clutch shots with a pull-up jumper late in regulation to put USF up by two against Pacific in Saturday’s quarterfinals.

Gonzaga guards Josh Perkins and Silas Melson will see the majority of time on Ferrari and Ratinho with Zach Norvell Jr. lining up against USF wing Chase Foster. The Zags need rim protection from their bigs when Ferrari and company penetrate in the lane.