LANGLEY, British Columbia - The #14 California State University San Bernardino men's basketball team lost their season opener 90-81 to Saint Martin's University of the Great Northwest Conference Friday at the Langley Events Centre. 

CSUSB got off to a 6-4 start after an Andrew Henderson (Chatsworth, Calif.) layup. Saint Martin's would respond, taking a 29-20 lead before the Coyotes would cut it to a one-point Saint Martin's lead, aided by a couple of steals that led to transition points, one by Evan Oliver (San Bernardino, Calif.) and the other by Nic Welp (Seattle, Wash.) Oliver would lead the game with five steals, which also tied a career-high.

Saint Martin's proved to be very tough offensively, as they eventually took a 63-46 lead. The Saints shot 29-59 (49.2%) from the field and 9-17 (52.9%) from deep for the game.

The Saints were able to limit offensive opportunities for the Coyotes as CSUSB shot just 30-74 (40.5%). Saint Martin's ranked 23rd in Division II in field goal percentage defense last season at 41.4%. Nevertheless, the Yotes shot 10-22 (45.5%) from behind the arc. Last season, CSUSB made 10 or more three-pointers just twice. Jordan Jones (Macon, Ga.) led the team with 18 points and made four three-pointers.

Jones was one of four Coyotes in double figures on Friday. Oliver finished with 16, Giordan Williams (Carson, Calif.) finished with 13, and Evan Guillory (Springfield, Mo.) finished with 10.

The Coyotes will face the host of the D2CCA Canadian Tip-Off Classic, Simon Fraser University, tomorrow at 3 p.m.

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