Box Score Box Score: Coyotes 76, CSULA 69 OT

SAN BERNARDINO -- You could say that the CSUSB Coyotes saved their best for last on Saturday night in their game against Cal State L.A.

Trailing throughout most of the second half, the Coyotes withstood a physical Golden Eagles team to force overtime, then took control in the stanza for a 76-69 victory before 610 in attendance at Coussoulis Arena.

The Coyotes improved to 3-1 overall and 3-0 in the CCAA as they head into a two-week break.

Junior guard Lacy Haddock led the Coyotes with 17 points and fellow junior Brian Goins added 13 as CSUSB withstood a monster effort from CSULA's Jordan Richard, who had a double-double by halfitme and finished with 20 points, 17 rebounds and eight blocks in 42 minutes of work.

The Coyotes had difficulty scoring inside and their outside shooting was hampered. What helped on this night was a never-say-die effort that eventually came through with about four minutes to go in regulation.

A three-pointer from senior guard Johnny Bell from the deep right corner gave the Coyotes a 59-56 lead -- their first of the second half. Three times in the next three-plus minutes the game was tied until CSULA's Willie Trimble hit a jumper that gave the Golden Eagles a 65-63 lead with 58 seconds left.

On the the Coyotes' next possession, Haddock earned a pair of free throws after he was fouled by Richard. The Las Vegas, Nev., native hit both to tie the game at 65-65 with 41 seconds.

The Golden Eagles had a chance for the win, but Trimble's attempt from 18 feet was off and Haddock grabbed the rebound. Haddock turned the ball over and time expired.

In OT, Goins hit a layup and senior Pablo Genevo put up a shot that was goaltended by Richard and CSUSB led 70-66 with 2:06 left.

James Tillman cut the lead to two on a layup, but Genevo then hit two free throws for a 72-68 lead with 1:18 remaining.

After Tillman hit the second of two shots, Goins took control and hit a driving layup and CSUSB led 74-69 with 30 seconds left.

A missed 3-pointer by Quinton Watkins gave the Coyotes the ball and Haddock nailed two free throws for the final margin.

Haddock was 4 of 9 from the floor, but hit 8 of 10 free throws on the night. Goins struggled but finished 5 of 18  with a 3-pointer, four assists and four steals in 44 minutes.

Junior Joshua Gouch had 11 and Genevo had 10 points and nine rebounds.

Richard, though, was the focal point all night. His eight blocks are the most against a Coyotes' team in school history.