Frankie Ferrari drives San Francisco past Eastern Washington, 85-63

SAN FRANCISCO – Frankie Ferrari scored 15 points and led five Dons in double-figure scoring as San Francisco roared back from a week off to wallop Eastern Washington 85-63 in nonconference men’s basketball on Thursday night.

USF maintained the momentum it built after earning a 19-point win over Cal, the Dons’ first win in Berkeley since 1991, while taking time off for finals.

The Dons (9-1) are off to their best start since 1999-2000, when they lost their opener to Maryland before reeling off 12 straight wins. They are 6-0 at home.

Jesse Hunt scored 14 points and grabbed seven rebounds, and Luka Vulikic added 13 points and six boards for Eastern Washington (1-7), which is 0-6 on the road.

“There were flashes, and it’s a positive thing looking at our team after the game,” Eastern head coach Shantay Legans said in a team release. “They are devastated they lost because they don’t like losing. But at the same time, they are fighting and trying to win. We’re trying to find the right combination of guys so that when they get in the game everything clicks. We have to make sure the ball moves and we’re doing the right things. And when they step on the floor, every player has to give his maximum effort.”

San Francisco took a 35-29 lead at the break but outscored the Eagles 50-34 in the second half. Charles Minlend, who posted a double-double in the win over Cal, added 14 points and grabbed seven boards. Remu Raitanen scored all 11 of his points in the second half.