SAN MARCOS (February 9, 2018) — The Coyotes built a 25-point lead over the CCAA-leading Cal State San Marcos Cougars, and then held them off late for a 94-88 upset victory in CCAA basketball Friday night.
 
What the victory means
CSUSB improved its season-long winning streak to five straight with the road victory. The Coyotes, now 12-10 overall and 10-8 CCAA, were led by junior G Ajon Efferson's 23 points off the bench that included six 3-pointers. CSUSM fell to 18-5, 13-4.
 
About that first half
CSUSB shot a lights-out 61 percent from the field on 22 of 36 shooting. More impressive was the fact that 11 of those 22 FGs were from 3-point land. Blake McBride had four treys and Efferson three in the opening 20 minutes.
 
Noteworthy run
Leading 17-14 in the early going, CSUSB outscored the Cougars 27-5 in a five-minute span for a 44-19 lead. The Coyotes held another 25-point lead (78-53) on Justin Frazier's layup with 9:35 left in the game.
 
Noteworthy run … for CSUSM
The Cougars answered with a 35-10 run of its own to pull within a point (89-88) with 20 seconds left, but a free throw from Efferson, a layup from Frazier and a pair of free throws from McBride gave the Coyotes the hard-earned win.
 
Who else scored in double figures?
McBride had 17 points, followed by Frazier with 16 and Dorian Butler 14.
 
What's next?
CSUSB returns to Coussoulis Arena tomorrow night against UC San Diego. Tip off is 7:30 p.m.