San Francisco holds off Illinois-Chicago 78-75
CHICAGO (AP) Tim Derksen's rebound secured a key defensive stop Friday night, and Devin Watson made three free throws in the last 16 seconds of San Francisco's 78-75 win over Illinois-Chicago.
Derksen finished with 17 points and 12 rebounds and Watson added 15 points in the season opener for both teams.
Nate Renfro's layup gave San Francisco the lead for good at 75-73 with 1:27 left. The Dons forced a stop, but UIC's Hassan Thomas stole it from Watson, giving the Flames a chance to tie or go ahead in the final 27 seconds.
Markese McGuire and Thomas missed back-to-back attempts before Derksen grabbed the board. Watson made both free throws to make it 77-73.
Dikembe Dixson pulled UIC back within two with a pair of free throws, and then Watson made 1 of 2 to cap the scoring with 4.5 seconds left.
Dixson led the Flames with 13.
