SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. - The #8 California State University San Bernardino men's basketball team defeated Cal State Los Angeles 79-63 Thursday evening in CCAA action at Coussoulis Arena

With the victory, the Coyotes improve to 11-3 overall on the season and 4-1 in the CCAA.

Cal State Los Angeles led for over 16 minutes in the first half, but after running out to a lead as large as 11, it was the Coyotes that took a 39-35 lead into the break.

Senior Nic Welp (Seattle, Wash.) was the story of the first half for the Coyotes, as the forward posted an 11-point, 10-rebound double-double in just the first half. Of his 10 boards, eight were offensive. Classmate Camren Pierce (Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.) also hit double figures in the first half, posting 10 points for the Coyotes.

CSUSB shot lights out in the second half to pull away to their fourth straight conference victory. The Yotes went 15-for-23 (65.2 percent) from the floor and 7-for-13 (53.8 percent) from three in the half, and were paced by 13 points from graduate guard Evan Oliver (San Bernardino, Calif.).

Five Coyotes finished the contest in double figures for CSUSB, including a pair of players off the bench. Oliver was the game's leading scorer with 18 points, seven assists, and five rebounds, while Pierce poured in 15 points. Welp scored all 11 of his points in the first half, while Charlie Henderson (Ladera Ranch, Calif.) and Andrew Henderson (Chatsworth, Calif.) each posted 10 points. 

Next up for the Yotes, they will return to action at home on Saturday, taking on Cal State Dominguez Hills. Tip-off from Coussoulis Arena is slated for 3 p.m. Prior to the game, Cal State San Bernardino Athletics will unveil the 2024 West Region Championship banner.