Sutton fails in attempt for 799th win

Associated Press

OGDEN, Utah -- Eddie Sutton figures he'll get wins No. 799 and 800 soon enough. For now, though, the 71-year-old coach is happy to teach his new players the finer points of the game.

Sutton returned to coaching Friday night, but rather than recording win No. 799, the 71-year-old settled for loss No. 316.

Sutton, who retired from Oklahoma State following the 2005-06 season, replaced Jessie Evans as San Francisco's basketball coach. On Wednesday night, the school announced that Evans was taking "a leave of absence" for the rest of the season. Sutton will lead the Dons (4-8) on an interim basis.

After building a 15-point lead in the second half, Weber State held on and came away with a 62-54 victory over San Francisco.

"I was excited and I really enjoyed it," said Sutton. "I didn't enjoy the way the team was playing. I told the guys I'm not accustomed to losing games and getting behind that far."

Weber State (5-7) got 13 points from reserve Steve Panos and 12 from forward Daviin Davis.

The Dons (4-9) fell behind 39-24 with 14:14 left to play, but rallied with an 18-8 run.

When USF's Christian Hernandez hit a 3-pointer with 4:42 remaining, it cut Weber State's lead to 49-46.

The Wildcats hit six straight free throws in the final minute to preserve the win.

Sophomore forward Dior Lowhorn led the Dons with 19 points on 9-for-18 shooting. Guard Danny Cavis hit four-3-pointers and added 15 points.

"People ask me, what do you miss about coaching?" Sutton said. "The games aren't the thing I miss the most, I miss the teaching at practice sessions and watching the players mature and grow and get better."