CARSON – Jonathan Nichols scored 15 points and added four assists but the Cal State Dominguez Hills men's basketball team couldn't stop Sonoma State's hot start to the second half in the Toros' 80-64 loss Saturday night.
 
The Toros fall to 8-11 overall, 5-7 in the California Collegiate Athletic Association.
 
With Sonoma State (7-8, 5-6 CCAA) leading 38-33 at halftime, the Seawolves never cooled down as they hit all their field goals and free throws to put together a 17-point run that extended their lead to 20 four minutes into the second period.
 
Despite the defeat the Toros did finish the night shooting 47 percent from the field. Malcolm Johnson contributed to 14 points and Matt Hayes had 10.
 
Dominguez Hills had led a majority of the first half. Its largest lead was eight when they started out on a 14-6 run within the first five minutes of the game.
 
Although the Toros committed a dozen turnovers, it became costly as the Seawolves capitalized on 18 points.
 
The Toros go back on the road this weekend, visiting Cal Poly Pomona Thursday and Cal State San Bernardino Saturday. Both are 7:30 p.m. starts. While it will be the only meeting against the Coyotes this season, the Toros fell to the Broncos at the Torodome last November.