SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – The No. 5 Cal State Dominguez Hills women's basketball team continued its dominant run with an 84-61 victory over San Francisco State on Thursday night, securing its second CCAA regular-season championship in the past three years, with the last title coming in 2022-23. With the win, the Toros improve to 28-1 overall and 20-1 in conference play, earning the No. 1 seed in the upcoming CCAA Tournament along with a first-round bye.
Dominguez Hills, which boasts the top offense (79.5 PPG) and defense (55.7 PPG allowed) in the CCAA, controlled the game from the start. The Toros set the tone early with a suffocating defense, holding the Gators to just seven first-quarter points while jumping out to a 22-7 lead. Their offensive efficiency continued into the second quarter, as they outscored San Francisco State 29-18 to take a commanding 51-25 lead at halftime.
The Toros kept their foot on the gas in the third quarter, using their defensive pressure to force turnovers and convert them into fast-break opportunities. With Nala Williams leading the offense and Cristina Jones controlling the glass, Dominguez Hills extended its advantage to 73-36 heading into the final period. San Francisco State managed to outscore the Toros in the fourth, but the outcome was never in doubt as Dominguez Hills cruised to its 28th win of the season.
Williams, the CCAA's leading scorer at 18.0 points per game, finished with eight points, seven assists, and two steals, continuing to showcase her all-around dominance. Cristina Jones led the team with 15 points and nine rebounds, while Teagan Thurman added a double-double with 14 points and a game-high 13 rebounds. Malia Goldsmith provided a spark from beyond the arc, knocking down four three-pointers on her way to 12 points, and Kya Pearson contributed seven points, two steals, and one assist.
The Toros shot 46% from the field and 45% from three-point range while forcing 19 turnovers. Their relentless defense held the Gators to 37% shooting and just 18 total rebounds.
With the best record since their historic 2022-23 season, when they went 31-3 and won the NCAA West Region Championship en route to the Elite Eight, the Toros are primed for another deep postseason run.
Dominguez Hills will conclude the regular season on Saturday, March 1, at 5:30 p.m. against Cal State East Bay before shifting focus to the CCAA Tournament, hosted by Cal State San Marcos from March 6-8.
