AZUSA, Calif. - The California State University San Bernardino men's basketball team defeated the Azusa Pacific Cougars Saturday evening 62-56 at the Felix Event Center.

With the win, the Coyotes improve to 3-4 on the season.

After falling behind 7-2, CSUSB went on a 7-0 run from a three-pointer by freshman Xavier Clinton (Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.), and jumpers from senior Javon Ervin (Tacoma, Wash.) and freshman Zion Paleo (Diamond Bar, Calif.).

The Cougars tightened up, holding the Yotes scoreless for nearly five minutes. However, CSUSB would not fall out of touch, and retook the lead after a jumper from sophomore Aidan Fowler (San Clemente, Calif.). They would take their largest lead of the first half, 25-21, after Clinton hit a pair of free throws after a steal by Ervin. However, Azusa Pacific recovered and took a 28-27 halftime lead.

CSUSB opened the second half by retaking the lead off a three-pointer by redshirt senior Amound Anderson II (Gardena, Calif.), who seemingly had an answer for Azusa Pacific, hitting two more three pointers, which gave them a 38-37 lead and tied it at 43-43, respectively.

The Cougars briefly held the largest lead of the game, 50-44, around the midway point of the half. CSUSB would respond, with senior Court Franklin (Santa Ana, Calif.) would hit a jumper, and Fowler nailed a pair at the line to cut Azusa's lead to two.

The Cougars would continue to hold the lead, hitting a jumper to extend their lead to 54-51 at the 6:08 mark, but that was the last time they led. Clinton would hit a game-tying three-pointer, and the game remained tied until redshirt senior Gavin Davis (Carson, Calif.) hit a layup at the 4:17 mark to give the Yotes a 56-54 lead. Despite this, the game remained at this score for more than two minutes, when a jumper extended the lead. He also went 4-4 from the free-throw line in the final two minutes to seal the victory.

Clinton led all scorers with 14 points in his first career start, while Davis and Fowler scored 11 points and grabbed eight boards apiece. Defensively, the Yotes held the Cougars to just 35.1 percent shooting from the field, the lowest by a CSUSB opponent this season.

Up next, the Coyotes face off against Cal State Dominguez Hills in their home and conference opener on Thursday. Tip-off is slated for 7:30 p.m.