SEASIDE, Calif. – The California State University San Bernardino men's basketball team battled to a 89–82 defeat against Cal State Monterey Bay in a CCAA matchup Wednesday night at the Kelp Bed.

With the result, the Coyotes move to 10–12 overall and 7–8 in conference play.

CSUSB trailed by three at the half, 34–31, after a physical opening 20 minutes that featured seven lead changes. Sophomore Aidan Fowler (San Clemente, Calif.) helped steady the Coyotes early, scoring nine first-half points while attacking the rim and drawing fouls. Freshman Zion Paleo (Diamond Bar, Calif.) added eight points in the opening half, knocking down all four of his free-throw attempts as CSUSB stayed within striking distance despite shooting just 34.5 percent from the field in the period.

The Coyotes opened the second half with renewed energy, cutting the deficit to three following a three-pointer from junior Elijah Edwards (San Diego, Calif.) and a fast-break triple by junior Kaylon Mason (Fresno, Calif.). Edwards finished the night with nine points on a 3-for-4 effort from beyond the arc, while Mason added eight points, six rebounds, and a block off the bench.

Monterey Bay responded with a surge midway through the half, pushing its lead to double digits behind a 10–2 run fueled by second-chance opportunities. Despite the setback, CSUSB continued to fight, trimming the margin to five at 73–68 after back-to-back baskets from senior Gavin Davis (Carson, Calif.), who finished with 10 points, five rebounds, and four assists.

The Coyotes made one final push in the closing minutes. Fowler connected on a three-pointer with 20 seconds remaining to pull CSUSB within three at 83–80, capping off a game-high 26-point performance. The guard went 8-of-17 from the field and 8-of-9 from the free-throw line, adding four assists in 38 minutes of action.

Paleo turned in a strong all-around effort, finishing with 19 points, four rebounds, and three assists, while redshirt junior Malachi Murrell (La Quinta, Calif.) chipped in four points and a pair of steals. Sophomore Max Zylicz (San Diego, Calif.) provided valuable minutes off the bench, contributing three points and four rebounds.

CSUSB shot 44.4 percent from the field in the second half and 80.8 percent from the free-throw line for the game, but Monterey Bay capitalized at the charity stripe, converting 34-of-41 attempts, to hold off the Coyotes down the stretch.

The Coyotes will continue their road trip Saturday at Cal State San Marcos. Tip-off is slated for 3 p.m.

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