Toros Get Physical for First CCAA Victory

In a basketball game more reminiscent of a playground brawl, the Cal State Dominguez Hills men’s team outslugged Cal State Los Angeles, 60-46, Saturday in a California Collegiate Athletic Assn. contest at CSLA.

It seemed like more bodies hit the floor in this game than in all Toro games combined this season. Forty five fouls were called, including 24 in the first half as both teams pushed and shoved their way to a near stalemate.

“It was more physical than past games, definitely,” Toro senior guard Robert Barksdale said. “But I think our depth helped us.”

The teams entered the game with a lot at stake. Another loss in conference play by either team would have severely hurt hopes of challenging for one of four postseason conference tournament playoff berths.

Dominguez Hills is 12-6 overall and 1-2 in CCAA play. CSLA dropped to 5-12 and 0-4.

On Friday the Toros lost to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, 85-74.

The Toros, known in past seasons for their defense, had not held a team under 71 points since Dec. 21, a span of seven games.

Four free throws and a 15-foot shot by Brian Jones gave Dominguez Hills a 38-35 lead with 7:27 left in the game. The Toros extended the lead to 46-38 with 3:20 left on two baskets by center Michael Moore and four free throws by Jones. From there the Toros opened an 11-point lead with 1:24 to go.

CSLA outscored the Toros, 9-5, and took a 22-19 lead with 6:44 left before halftime.

Dominguez Hills rallied, outrunning the Golden Eagles from that point, 6-2, to take a 25-24 halftime lead. Jones gave the Toros the lead when he made a driving layup while being fouled, then made the free throw.

Moore led Dominguez Hills with 17 points, Jones had 15 and Jemal Ross added 14 points. But Kelvin Harris, a transfer from El Camino who averages 12 points, scored only two for the Golden Eagles.

CSLA 72, Dominguez Hills 51--The Golden Eagles (10-9 overall, 2-0 in CCAA play) opened a 24-point lead in the second half and cruised over visiting Dominguez Hills (13-5, 0-2).

On Friday night The Lady Toros lost to visiting Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, 59-57.