PITTSBURGH, Pa. – The Cal State Dominguez Hills women's basketball team is heading to the Final Four for the first time in program history after a dominant 82-66 victory over No. 6 seed Coker in the NCAA Division II Elite Eight at UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse. The Toros, now 35-1 overall, controlled the game from start to finish, proving why they are one of the top teams in the country.
Despite a slow start in the opening minutes, the Toros quickly took control with their relentless defensive pressure and fast-paced offense. Nala Williams and Cristina Jones fueled an early run, turning steals into quick transition buckets. The Toros ended the first quarter on a 12-3 scoring run, taking a 20-14 lead while forcing Coker into rushed shots and turnovers.
Dominguez Hills completely took over in the second quarter, outscoring Coker 22-13 to build a commanding halftime lead. The defense was suffocating, forcing multiple shot-clock violations and limiting the Cobras to just one made field goal in the final five minutes of the half. Meanwhile, the offense came alive, with Jones and Teagan Thurman dominating in the paint while Williams stretched the defense with timely three-pointers. The Toros executed in the first half, heading into the break with a 42-27 advantage.
Cal State Dominguez Hills continued to pour it on in the third, extending the lead to over 20 points. Williams, Thurman, and Jones each flirted with 20-point performances, while the defense limited Coker's offensive threats. Jones nearly recorded a triple-double, finishing just two steals shy of the mark.
With the game well in hand, the Toros stayed composed and closed out the victory in dominant fashion. The defense never wavered, securing key stops and forcing turnovers to seal the historic win.
Toros Stat Leaders
- Teagan Thurman – 23 PTS, 2 REB, 5 AST, 2 BLK
- Cristina Jones – 20 PTS, 10 REB, 8 STL
- Nala Williams – 19 PTS, 8 REB, 4 AST, 3 STL
- Asia Jordan – 6 PTS, 6 REB, 2 AST
The Toros continue their historic season, adding NCAA West Regional champions and now Elite Eight winners to their list of accolades. With CCAA regular season and tournament championships already secured, CSUDH now sets its sights on the national title.
Cal State Dominguez Hills advances to the Final Four and will face the winner of No. 2 Bentley vs. No. 7 Union (TN) on Wednesday, March 26, at 6 PM EDT.