Dominguez Cagers Miss Plane and Hoop in 61-52 Road Loss

The up again, down again world of Cal State Dominguez Hills basketball returned again Thursday night as the Toros fell to Central Washington University, 61-52, in the opening round of the Puget Sound Tournament.

Wednesday night the Toros had an easy time with NAIA power Taylor University, winning 80-62. But as has been the case lately, Dominguez Hills was unable to keep its string going. The Toros (5-5) never led but kept the contest close. Central Washington is perennially ranked among the best Division 2 teams in the country.

“All-around, this is the best team we have played this year,” said Dominguez Hills Coach Dave Yanai.

The Toros will play the winner of a game between San Francisco State and Puget Sound University this afternoon at 4 for the consolation title. Should they face San Francisco, it will be the third meeting between the schools. Dominguez Hills recorded easy victories in the previous match-ups.

Fog and rain greeted Dominguez Hills at Seattle International Airport after an unscheduled layover of four hours in San Jose. A mix-up between an airline and Dominguez Hills in schedules caused the Toros to miss their direct connection from San Jose to Seattle and that left the team searching for standby seating on other airlines. Yanai took his top six players with him on one flight and assistant Bart Yamachika followed later with the rest of the team.

Dominguez Hills, which began the day around sunup, arrived at Puget Sound University half an hour before its 6 p.m contest.

“Obviously, it was not a perfect day (to play basketball),” said sports information director Thomas Neff.

Despite transportation troubles, Dominguez Hills never trailed by more than 5 points in the first half.

Central Washington doubled that lead in the final 20 minutes but could go no further as senior center Anthony Blackmon (21 points, 7 rebounds, 2 blocked shots) and sophomore guard Robert Barksdale (14 points) rallied the Toros. Barksdale scored 11 second-half points. Blackmon went the distance for the first time this year.

Dominguez Hills slowed the pace but was unable to score. The Toros made just 19 of 45 field goal attempts.

Carl Aaron, a transfer from Rancho Santiago College in Santa Ana, led Central Washington with 13 points.