Toros Cruise in Season Opener Over University of Alaska, 98-62

Box Score Carson, CA -- The Cal State Dominguez Hills men's basketball team opened its 2008-09 season with a convincing 98-62 win over visiting University of Alaska Saturday night in the Torodome, the most points scored since CSUDH took a 99-49 decision over Dominican in the 2005-06 season. Senior Ryan Walton was one of three players to score 12 points, seeing just 11 minutes of action.

The Toros jumped out to a 2-0 lead on a Rodney Yearby jumper, and never looked back. Increasing its lead to 10 at 14-4 on two Jerrell Smith free throws, the Toros pushed the advantage to as much as 25 points at the 3:26 mark, entering the break with a 49-24 edge after converting half their shots from the floor.

CSUDH continued to shoot on all cylinders after intermission, pushing the lead to as much as 42 at 76-32 on a Walton jumper with 11:44 left in regulation, before head coach Damaine Powell cleared his bench.

With the reserves playing just as hard as the starters, the Toros' lead grew to 48 on two separate occasions before the Nanooks whittled their deficit to 39 on a Joe Mon jumper at the 2:26 mark, using a Nashorn Maynard jumper with 33 ticks remaining to account for the final margin.

Smith and Yearby both chipped in 12 points as well, with Jonathan Toliver contributing 11 in the blowout. Freshman Robert Willhite pulled down a game-high 7 boards as the Toros shot 53.6% from the field, holding the visitors to just 35.7% shooting.

CSUDH also dominated on the glass, pulling down 47 rebounds to UAF's 25.

The Toros take to the road next week to participate in the Adams State Bankers Classic, hosted by Adams State in Alamosa, Colorado. CSUDH returns home on December 5 as it begins CCAA Conference play against Cal Poly Pomona.

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