SAN FRANCISCO – The SF State Gators used a total team effort in their 66-60 win over the visiting Cal State Dominguez Hills Toros (4-13, 0-11 CCAA). Three Gators scored in double digits led by
Jon McMurry's season high 16 points off the bench.
Udun Osakue scored 13 points while
Andre Jones chipped in 11 points for the hosts, who improved to 6-1 at home.
"
We did a nice job of setting the tone defensively this evening," said SF State head coach
Paul Trevor. "We defended the ball very well and shared the ball on the offensive end."
The Gators forced 15 turnovers in the first half by Cal State Dominguez Hills and had 9 steals including three by
Justice Howard. SF State (7-8, 5-6 CCAA) took a 21-13 lead mid-way through the second half and increased that lead to 10 (29-19) on a jumper by
Floyd Wormley with 3:55 left in the half.
The Toros cut the Gator lead to 29-24 with 3:13, but the Gators scored five of the half's final 7 points to take a 34-26 lead into the half.
The Gators increased their lead early in the second half to 40-28 on a lay-up by Wormley at the 15:36 mark.
Cal State Dominguez Hills battled back and took a 51-50 lead on a three by Ivan Dooley with five minutes left on the clock.
A three by
Bren Haley, who finished with 9 points and 7 assists, gave the Gators the lead back on their next possession, 53-51.
SF State increased its lead to 62-55 on two made free throws by Haley with just 49 ticks left.
The Toros' Shaq Hunter hit at three on their next possession to cut the Gator lead to 62-58, but SF State went 4-for-4 from the line with both Haley and
AJ Kahlon making their attempts as the hosts took the game, 66-60.
"We battled back to win a close game and I am happy for our guys," added Trevor.
Darnell Martin had 12 points to lead the way for the Toros.
SF State finished with 11 steals, three each by Haley, Howard and Osakue. The Gators also went 20-for-23 from the line with Haley going 6-for-6 and Osakue going 4-for-4.
McMurry was 5-for-10 from the field including going 4-for-6 from three-point land while Jones was 4-for-8 from the field and two-for four from beyond the arc.
The Gators will continue their mini-home stand tomorrow evening at 7:30pm when they host Cal State L.A. The Golden Eagles lost 57-44 at Sonoma State this evening in Rohnert Park.
SF State is now in a four-way tie for seventh place with Cal State L.A., Cal State Monterey Bay and Humboldt State.
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Gator Athletics has a proud tradition of competitive success within the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The department offers 12 intercollegiate sports programs: Baseball, Men's and Women's Basketball, Men's and Women's Cross Country, Men's and Women's Soccer, Softball, Women's Track & Field, Women's Volleyball and Men's Wrestling.
Gator Athletics places great emphasis on academic performance as well as athletic achievement. The program offers student athletes the opportunity to reach their educational goals, as well pursue meaningful athletic accomplishments. For more information, visit SF State Athletics' website, Twitter and Facebook pages.
