Late Fuchs Layup and Wang's 4-for-4 Lift Dons Past Washington State 85-80

Junjie Wang's flawless night from deep and a late driving layup by David Fuchs carried the San Francisco Dons to an 85-80 victory over Washington State at the Sobrato Center on Jan. 18. The win, decided in the final 90 seconds, showcased the Dons' balanced scoring and late-game execution that matter to fans and the campus community as the West Coast Conference season tightens.

Wang finished with 15 points while going 4-for-4 from three-point range, sparking San Francisco's offense. Guillermo Diaz Graham added 14 points, connecting on four triples, and Ryan Beasley chipped in 13 points, giving the Dons three players in double figures. The Dons improved to 13-8 overall and 5-3 in WCC play. Washington State was paced by Eemeli Yalaho with 21 points but could not close the gap in the closing stretch.

The decisive sequence came late in the second half when Fuchs converted a layup with 1:31 remaining to put San Francisco ahead for good. From that point the Dons protected the lead through defense and free-throw pressure, turning a tight contest into a momentum-building victory. The game narrative underlines a developing identity for San Francisco: perimeter efficiency complemented by depth and timely plays inside.

For San Francisco County, the result carries both sporting and local economic implications. Wins in conference play tend to increase local interest, which can raise ticket demand, downtown activity near the Sobrato Center on game nights, and engagement among students and alumni. On the court, a 5-3 WCC mark strengthens the Dons' positioning for seeding in the conference tournament, a factor that can influence recruiting cycles and donor enthusiasm over the next months.

Statistically, the Dons' distribution of scoring in this game reduces reliance on a single go-to scorer and suggests more sustainable offensive production across a stretch of conference matchups. That balance can be important for sustained attendance and media attention in the Bay Area sports market as the season progresses.

San Francisco now carries momentum into its next stretch of WCC games, with fans and local businesses likely watching whether this late-game resilience becomes a trend. For neighborhood restaurants and campus supporters, the win provides an immediate lift; for the program, it reinforces a path toward stronger conference positioning and postseason clarity.