CARSON -- Cal State Dominguez Hills graduate student
David Cheatom scored the final two of his game-high 26-points with seven seconds left in regulation, and the Toros withstood one final shot attempt by visiting Cal State Monterey Bay at the buzzer to escape with a thrilling 89-88 win over the Otters, sending the Torodome faithful home with lots of love on Valentine's Day.
Josiah Sanders and
Luke Lin chipped in 18 and 16 points, respectively, as the Toros picked up their second-straight win and officially clinched a berth in the upcoming CCAA postseason tournament, held March 5-7 and hosted by Cal Poly Pomona.
The Toros shot 52.4% from the floor and held the Otters to just 46.6%, drained 55.6% and enjoyed five more free throw makes than CSUMB.
The visitors, however, won the battle of the boards by 10, including a decisive 15 to 5 edge in offensive rebounds that led to a 16 to 7 edge in second-chance points for the Otters, who were graced at the scorer's table today by legendary Sports Information Director, Kevin Gilmore, who began his athletics career as Cal State Dominguez Hills' SID in 1989.
The first half saw six lead changes and three ties, with the Toros taking advantage of eight Otter turnovers that resulted in 14 points for the hosts as CSUDH took a 45-40 lead entering the half.
The Toros built a 51-41 lead 1:10 in the second half after Cheatom converted an old-fashioned 3-point play, and pushed it to as much as 16 at 73-57 on a Jayde Johnston 3-pointer with 10:59 left in regulation.
Staring at a potential blowout, CSUMB responded with a flurry, going on a 25-12 run that brought the Otters to within 85-82 at the 2:35 mark, and to within 87-86 at 1:19.
After both teams were unable to convert on their next possession, an Otter basket with 12 seconds left gave CSUMB its first lead of the second half, giving the Toros one last possession.
Putting the ball in Cheatom's hands, the most experienced and battle-tested Toro proved his worth by converting on CSUDH's last possession and giving them the weekend sweep.
Dasean Stevens chipped in 15 in the win while Sanders collected a team-best eight boards.
CSUDH makes its final road trip of the year next week, traveling to Stanislaus State on February 19, with first tip scheduled for 7:30 pm.
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