SAN MARCOS, Calif. – The California State University San Bernardino men's basketball team suffered an 86-74 defeat at the hands of Cal State San Marcos Saturday afternoon at The Sports Center.
With the result, CSUSB moves to 10–13 overall and 7–9 in CCAA play.
The Coyotes struck first in the opening minutes behind redshirt senior Gavin Davis (Carson, Calif.), who scored six of CSUSB's first eight points, including a transition basket and a second-chance finish. CSUSB briefly grabbed a 3–2 lead, but San Marcos responded with a sustained run, building its advantage to double digits midway through the half.
Despite the deficit, CSUSB continued to attack inside. Sophomore Pablo Soumare (Dakar, Senegal) was active on the offensive glass, pulling down five first-half rebounds and scoring four points at the free-throw line. Freshman Xavier Clinton (Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.) added timely buckets, including a second-chance three, but the Cougars closed the half strong to take a 43–27 lead into the break.
CSUSB came out with renewed energy in the second half, shooting 54.1 percent from the floor after halftime. Davis remained efficient offensively, finishing 6-of-8 from the field for a team-high 12 points, while Clinton led all Coyotes with 19 points, knocking down three three-pointers and adding nine rebounds.
The Coyotes trimmed the deficit to 11 points with just under 12 minutes remaining, sparked by back-to-back baskets from Clinton and a fast-break layup by Davis. Redshirt junior Malachi Murrell (La Quinta, Calif.) provided a lift inside with six points and seven rebounds, and junior Elijah Edwards (Hemet, Calif.) chipped in nine points on 4-of-6 shooting, including a second-chance finish during the run.
CSUSB continued to apply pressure down the stretch, using its size advantage to outscore San Marcos 42–28 in the paint and hold a 20–3 edge in second-chance points. Sophomore Aidan Fowler (San Clemente, Calif.) finished with 12 points, while freshman Zion Paleo (Diamond Bar, Calif.) added five points and an assist in limited minutes.
However, San Marcos capitalized at the free-throw line, converting 29-of-33 attempts for the game, and answered each CSUSB push with timely baskets to maintain control.
CSUSB finished the afternoon shooting 46.9 percent from the field and outrebounded the Cougars 39–36, but the early deficit and free-throw disparity proved decisive.
The Coyotes will return home on Thursday to continue CCAA play against UC Merced at Coussoulis Arena. Tip-off is slated for 7:30 p.m.
#GoYotes
