Defense Holds Otters to 26.2% From Floor in 69-52 Win to Clinch Berth in CCAA Tourney

(PHOTO: KEADRICK WASHINGTON)

SEASIDE -- Shooting just 36.5% itself on the night, visiting Cal State Dominguez Hills needed a lock-down defensive performance in the Otter Sports Center, and received just that as it held the host Otters to just 26.2% shooting from the floor in a suffocating 69-52 win, its fourth-straight win and seventh in its last eight contests. Tim McGrath led all players with 17 points and 11 boards.

With the win, CSUDH has clinched a berth in the upcoming CCAA Tournament.

The Otters got off to a good start after taking a 6-2 lead with just under five minutes elapsed in the first half, but the Toros reeled off a 10-4 run of their own to take a 12-4 lead, the final two coming on a McGrath bucket in the paint.

CSUMB answered with its own run to take a 5-point lead, before momentum again donned Cardinal & Gold to give the Toros a 32-25 lead entering the break.

CSUDH continued its offensive spurt in the second half, increasing its lead to double-figures on a Marcquintice Davis jumper at the 18:40 mark, and to 14 at 56-42 on a pair of McGrath makes at the line.

The Toros defense kept the Otters down by double-figures the rest of the half, limiting CSUMB to just 9 makes in 41 attempts after the break, or just 22.0% from the floor.

CSUDH, meanwhile, increased its offensive efficiency after the break to the tune of 41.7%, up from its 32.1% effort in the first session and benefited from an aggressive style of play that saw the Toros enjoy a 12 more points from the free throw line, and 19 more attempts.

Robert Willhite chipped in 16 points in the balanced attack, with James Cawthorne added 11 and Davis 10. In contrast, Davion Berry was the lone Otter to score at least 10 points, finishing with a team-best 14 in the loss that dropped his squad to 7-15, 5-12 CCAA.

Winners of four-straight and owning a 12-10, 12-5 CCAA mark after starting the season 0-7, CSUDH strives for five tomorrow night at San Francisco State, an 85-82 overtime winner over a slumping Cal State L.A. squad.

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