MERCED, Calif. - The California State University San Bernardino men's basketball team picked up a dramatic 61-60 victory over UC Merced Sunday afternoon at Greg and Cathie Hostetler Court.
With the win, the Coyotes move to 5-6 overall and 2-2 in CCAA play.
The Coyotes opened the game strong, highlighted by a three from sophomore Aidan Fowler (San Clemente, Calif.) and a Gavin Davis (Carson, Calif.) lay-in that gave CSUSB a 5–0 edge early. San Bernardino stretched the advantage to as many as seven midway through the period before UC Merced rallied late in the half to tie it at 25-25 at intermission. Senior Amound Anderson II (Gardena, Calif.) led all players with eight points in the first half.
The back-and-forth pace continued after the break, with neither team able to create a sizable cushion. Merced grabbed a four-point lead midway through the half, but CSUSB responded with a 3-pointer from Fowler and continued defensive pressure to stay within striking distance. Both teams traded leads, and the score stayed tight as the clock wound down toward the final minute.
The defining play of the afternoon came in the waning seconds. With the score tied at 60–60 and only five seconds remaining, CSUSB freshman Xavier Clinton (Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.) came up with a clutch steal deep at the defensive end, igniting the Coyotes' final chance. Clinton went the other way and was fouled, but hit a game-winning free throw, and UC Merced failed to get a shot off at the buzzer. sealing the dramatic Coyote victory.
Fowler led all scorers with 20 points, and hit several key baskets down the stretch. Freshman Zion Paleo (Diamond Bar, Calif.) finished with 14 points. including multiple clutch buckets in the second half. CSUSB shot 45.0 percent from three and scored 19 points off turnovers. The contest finished with 11 ties and six lead changes, including the final tie and lead change in the waning seconds of the game.
Cal State San Bernardino returns to action on Friday, January 2 with another road game at Cal State East Bay. Tip-off is slated for 7:30 p.m.
#GoYotes
