CARSON – The Cal State Dominguez Hills men's basketball team couldn't complete a 15-point rally in the second half as the Toros dropped a 69-61 loss to San Francisco State at the Torodome Friday night.
 
The Toros fall to 8-10 overall and 5-6 in the California Collegiate Athletic Association.
 
Dominguez Hills couldn't quite find that late magic they used to defeat the Gators in San Francisco in thrilling, double-overtime fashion last month. It did bring the score to 62-59 with less than two minutes remaining. The Gators capitalized on four free throws and a field goal to make it an 8-point difference.
 
Jonathan Nichols scored 14 of his 21 points in the second half along with four assists and six rebounds. Reigning CCAA Player of the Week Malcolm Johnson continues to stay in sync with 17 points and 14 boards for his second consecutive double-double. Deondre Otis dished out a season-high eight assists.
 
Both teams shot 40 percent from the field and had at least 10 free throws. Ryne Williams led the effort for the Gators (9-7, 6-5 CCAA) with 17 points. The Toros did hold Warren Jackson to 16 points tonight after the Gators' senior dropped 25 in the last meeting.
 
The Toros largest lead was five early in the second half. It was then the Gators went on an 18-2 run that gave them a 48-37 lead with 12:28 remaining.
 
CSUDH will have a quick turnaround as it welcomes Sonoma State to campus Saturday at 7:30 p.m. The Toros edged the Seawolves 64-62 in Rohnert Park last month.