CARSON, Calif. — In a game filled with momentum swings, clutch shots, and a frantic final minute, the Cal State Dominguez Hills Toros escaped with a thrilling 84-82 win over Cal State San Bernardino on Thursday night at the Torodome. With the victory, the Toros improved to 17-4 overall and 14-1 in CCAA play, continuing their push at the top of the conference standings.

The first half was a fast-paced battle, with both teams exchanging baskets and momentum. Dominguez Hills shot an impressive 64.3% from the field, including 45.5% from three-point range. Jeremy Dent-Smith led the way, scoring 15 first-half points on 6-of-8 shooting, while Adam Afifi added 11 points, knocking down two three-pointers. David Cheatom provided a spark inside with six points and six rebounds. Despite their strong offensive showing, the Toros entered halftime with just a one-point lead at 47-46.

In the second half, Dominguez Hills maintained their efficiency, shooting 46.2% from the field while tightening up defensively. Afifi continued to dominate inside, finishing with 20 points on 8-of-11 shooting. Dent-Smith made crucial plays down the stretch, finishing with 29 points overall, including two clutch free throws in the final minute to help secure the win.

With under a minute to play, the Toros clung to a two-point lead as San Bernardino applied full-court pressure. A key defensive stop by Jordan Hilstock forced a turnover, but the Coyotes quickly answered by capitalizing on a Dominguez Hills miscue to cut the lead to one. On the ensuing possession, Alex Garcia was fouled and knocked down a free throw to extend the lead to 84-82. With just seconds left, San Bernardino had a chance to tie or take the lead, but Hilstock came up with his fifth steal of the night, forcing a wild last-second shot that fell short as the buzzer sounded, sealing the dramatic win for the Toros.

Dent-Smith led all scorers with 29 points, shooting 9-for-14 from the field and 8-for-10 from the free-throw line while adding six rebounds and five assists. Afifi finished with 20 points and one rebound while going 2-for-5 from beyond the arc. Cheatom contributed nine points and six rebounds, while Hilstock had eight points, five rebounds, five steals, and a crucial free throw in the closing seconds. Garcia added eight points, five rebounds, and two assists.

The Toros shot 55.6% from the field and 40.9% from three-point range, while their defensive pressure forced 19 turnovers, leading to 15 points. Dominguez Hills also outscored San Bernardino 28-26 in the paint and converted 10 fast-break points.

The Toros remain home as they prepare to host Cal Poly Pomona on Saturday, February 8, at 3 p.m. in another CCAA matchup.