Box score

La Jolla, CA -- Three days after seeing their undefeated CCAA streak go by the wayside, Cal State Dominguez Hills regrouped in a big way with a 63-51 win at UC San Diego this evening, holding the host Tritons to 37% shooting from the field in improving to 9-2, 3-1 CCAA.  Jerrell Smith tallied game-high scoring honors with 14 points, adding a team-best 6 rebounds in the victory.

The Toros bounced back from an 89-84 defeat at Cal State L.A. on Wednesday to hand the Tritons their first loss on their home floor in 2008-09 and first defeat overall since November 29.

The Tritons struggled against the Toros' pressure all night long, committing a season-high 18 turnovers, compared to just eight miscues for the visitors. UCSD converted 17-of-46 shots in what became its lowest scoring output against a Division II opponent this season. The Tritons were held to just 40 points against San Diego State in their season-opener November 15.

UCSD trailed 20-19 at the half, but Dominguez was the hotter team coming out of the locker room and took a 35-25 advantage following two free throws from Michael Hernandez at the 13:30 mark. The Tritons chipped away at the deficit and pulled to within five (43-38) on a Shane Poppen putback with 6:29 left to play, but Jamel Ward answered with a three on the other end and Hernandez scored off a steal to give the visitors a 10-point cushion with 5:35 left on the clock.

The Tritons could get no closer than seven the rest of the way. After a Jordan Lawley triple brought UCSD to within 48-41, the Toros scored the next four points to put the game out of reach with 1:50 to play and went on to post the 12 point victory.  

Kelvin Kim scored a game-high 14 points to pace the Tritons, while Lawley finished with 11, hitting both of his field goals from behind the three-point arc, while Hernandez added 12 points and a game-high six assists.

CSUDH shot 42% (18-43) for the game and recorded 14 assists on 18 field goals. The Toros outscored the Tritons 22-14 in the paint and were +12 at the free throw line, finishing 23-of-34 at the stripe, while UCSD converted 11-of-17 attempts.

The Toros resume CCAA home action next weekend as San Francisco State visits Carson on Friday, January 9, with tip off set for 7:30 pm in the Torodome.

(Courtesy UCSD)