EVANSVILLE, Ind.- Cal State Dominguez Hills' historic season came to a thrilling conclusion as the No. 7 seeded Toros fell just short in a 1-point heartbreaker to No. 1 seed Nova Southeastern in the NCAA Division II National Championship game at the Ford Center in Evansville, Indiana. Despite the result, the Toros put together a season to remember, achieving numerous program firsts and cementing their place in school history.

From the opening tip, the Toros went toe-to-toe with a Nova Southeastern squad that has been a national powerhouse in recent years. The game was a back-and-forth battle, with both teams showcasing their defensive intensity and clutch shot-making. Dominguez Hills trailed early but never wavered, staying within striking distance as they entered halftime.

As the second half unfolded, the Toros found their rhythm and surged back into the contest. Led by standout performances from their key players, Dominguez Hills erased a late deficit and found themselves in position to complete an improbable championship run. Senior Alex Garcia delivered a critical three-pointer in the final minutes, and the Toros defense locked in to force crucial stops down the stretch. However, Nova Southeastern managed to hold off the resilient Toros by a single point as the final buzzer sounded.

Even in defeat, the Toros have so much to celebrate. This season marked the best record in program history, their first-ever NCAA West Regional Championship, their first Elite Eight appearance, and their first trip to the national championship game. Along the way, they captured both the CCAA regular-season and tournament championships, solidifying their dominance in the conference.

With their remarkable journey coming to an end, the Toros leave behind a legacy of resilience, excellence, and history-making achievements. The support from Toro Nation throughout this incredible ride has been felt every step of the way, and the future remains bright for Cal State Dominguez Hills basketball.