SAN MARCOS, Calif. - The #8 California State University San Bernardino took care of Cal State San Marcos 78-73 Saturday afternoon in CCAA action at The Sports Center.

With the victory, the Coyotes improve to 9-2 overall on the season and 2-1 in the CCAA.

CSUSB struggled offensively in the first, shooting just 10-of-32 (31.3 percent) from the floor and 3-of-13 (23.1 percent) from beyond the arc in the opening 20 minutes. The Cougars led for the majority of the half, and led by as many as eight points midway through the period, but a Jordan Jones (Macon, Ga.) buzzer-beating three cut the deficit down to three at 35-32 at the break.

The Coyotes looked red hot to start the second half, opening on a 19-6 run over the first eight minutes to take a 51-41 lead after an Evan Oliver (San Bernardino, Calif.) fast-break bucket.

The Yotes would go on to lead by as many as 16 with just under nine minutes to play, but the Cougars stuck around to keep things from getting out of hand. San Marcos trimmed the lead all the way down to just three in the final minute, but simply ran out of time. Former Cougar Camren Pierce (Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.) hit all six of his free throws in the final 36 seconds of the contest to help CSUSB secure the win.

Four Coyotes finished the contest in double figures, led by Oliver with 22 points, five assists, and three steals. Graduate student Giordan Williams (Carson, Calif.) had 16 points, while senior Charlie Henderson (Ladera Ranch, Calif.) had the game's only double-double with 13 points, a game-high 12 boards, and four assists. Pierce notched a season-high with 10 points, coming on a perfect 10-for-10 performance at the charity stripe.

Next up for the Coyotes, they will play their final non-conference contest of regular season on December 17, welcoming Azusa Pacific University to Coussoulis Arena for a 5 p.m. tip-off.
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