LOS ANGELES, Calif., — The Cal State Dominguez Hills Toros opened CCAA conference play with a strong performance, defeating Cal State LA 83-70 at University Gym on Saturday afternoon. The win improves the Toros to 4-3 overall and 1-0 in CCAA play.

The Toros had a slow start offensively in the first half, shooting just 32.3% from the field and 11.1% from beyond the arc. Despite the struggles, Dominguez Hills kept the game within reach thanks to their rebounding effort, grabbing 30 boards in the half, including 12 on the offensive end. Jeremy Dent-Smith led the way with 10 first-half points, but the Toros trailed 33-28 at halftime.

Dominguez Hills came alive in the second half, outscoring the Golden Eagles 55-37 behind an efficient 58.8% shooting performance. Dent-Smith continued to dominate, pouring in 19 of his game-high 29 points in the second half while also collecting six rebounds. The Toros took control midway through the half with a 15-4 run, capped by a three-pointer from Alex Garcia to give them a lead they would not relinquish.

The Toros' defensive pressure and second-chance opportunities proved decisive, as they scored 20 points off second-chance plays and held Cal State LA to 40.9% shooting for the game. Jordan Hilstock recorded a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds, while Garcia added 14 points on 4-of-7 shooting, including three three-pointers. DJ Guest contributed seven points and a game-high 13 rebounds, and JT Tan chipped in nine points and nine rebounds.

Cal State Dominguez Hills will return to action for their home opener at the Torodome on Thursday, December 5th, at 7:30 p.m. against Cal State Monterey Bay.