CARSON, Calif. — The Cal State Dominguez Hills Toros put together a dominant defensive performance to secure a 72-49 win over Cal Poly Pomona on Saturday afternoon at the Torodome. With the victory, the Toros improved to 18-4 overall and 15-1 in CCAA play, maintaining their stronghold at the top of the conference standings.
Dominguez Hills took control early, holding Pomona to just 19 first-half points while building a 34-19 lead at the break. The Toros' defense was relentless, limiting the Broncos to 27.6% shooting in the opening period and forcing nine turnovers. Jeremy Dent-Smith provided an early spark, knocking down two three-pointers and scoring 10 first-half points. Alex Garcia and Adam Afifi controlled the glass, combining for 10 rebounds to keep Pomona from getting second-chance opportunities.
The second half saw Dominguez Hills extend its lead behind an efficient offensive showing. The Toros shot 53.6% from the field while hitting four three-pointers to keep Pomona at bay. Afifi continued to dominate inside, finishing with 12 points and five rebounds. Garcia played a key role on both ends, contributing 14 points and seven rebounds, while Dent-Smith added 13 points, four assists, and two steals. The Toros stretched their lead to as many as 28 points, never allowing Pomona to gain momentum.
Garcia led the Toros with 14 points, shooting 5-of-10 from the field while adding seven rebounds and four assists. Dent-Smith followed with 13 points, four assists, and two steals, knocking down two three-pointers. Afifi was nearly perfect from the field, going 6-for-7 for 12 points while grabbing five rebounds and blocking three shots. Jordan Hilstock chipped in nine points, three rebounds, and two steals, while DJ Guest and Jayden Winfrey provided a boost off the bench with a combined 13 points and nine rebounds.
The Toros shot 48.2% from the field and 40% from three-point range while holding Pomona to just 37.5% shooting overall. Dominguez Hills controlled the rebounding battle 34-31 and forced 15 turnovers, converting them into 17 points. The Toros also capitalized on second-chance opportunities, scoring 16 points off offensive rebounds.
Dominguez Hills now heads back on the road for a CCAA matchup against Stanislaus State on Thursday, Feb. 13, at 7:30 p.m. as they look to continue their strong conference run.
