SAN FRANCISCO – From the opening bucket by
Derrick Brown to the final seconds of the game the San Francisco State men's basketball never trailed as they defeated visiting Cal State San Bernardino 72-60 Saturday evening at the Swamp.
The Gators (14-2/7-2 CCAA) had four players in double figures and had seven players in total get in on the scoring action. Leading the team tonight was senior guard
Coley Apsay, who scored a season-high 20 points. He also grabbed five rebounds and five steals.
Joining Apsay in double figures was
Warren Jackson,
Nick Calcaterra and
Jash Kahlon. Jackson scored 14 going shooting 50 percent from the field. J. Kahlon tied a career-high with 11 points, while Calcaterra also chipped in 11.
The Gators jumped out to an early 12-2 lead following a 3-point bucket by J. Kahlon. SFSU looked to put the contest away very early, however the Coyotes (6-7/2-6 CCAA) had other ideas. CSUSB cut the deficit to as little as two points three times in the first half, going into the break trailing 31-29 following a 3-point bucket at the buzzer from Brian Gugliotta.
Out of the break, SFSU's depth proved to be too much. J. Kahlon hit back-to-back 3-point buckets and Gators increased their lead to 17, 65-48, with 3:30 left in the contest following a pair of free throws by Jackson.
With both teams in the bonus late, the Gators were able to hold on a late run by the Coyotes, coming away with the 12-point win. As a team, SFSU shot 45.8 percent on the evening, going 22-for-48 from the floor. From 3-point range the Gators were deadly, connecting on 8-of-16 from beyond the arc.
GAME NOTES
Coaches Quote
"I was really proud of the way we defended tonight," said head coach
Paul Trevor. "I thought we did a great job defending the half court, making Cal State San Bernardino earn their baskets. Good contributions with four guys scoring in double figures. I thought Josh Kahlon really sparked us in the second half."
Kahlon Times Two
For just the second time this season, the Kahlon brothers Jash and AJ appeared in the starting lineup together. The pair combined to score 17 points and grab 17 of the Gators 37 rebounds. The only other time in their basketball career's they have been in the same starting lineup came earlier this year against Western Oregon on Nov. 18.
Gators Hit 70
With the 72-60 victory over the Coyotes on Saturday evening, the Gators improve to 27-3 since the start of the 2015-16 season when the team scores 70 or more. They are a perfect 11-0 this season when eclipsing the 70-point plateau.
Home Court Advantage
Tonight's win over the Coyotes gives the Gators a 53-25 record when playing at the friendly confines under head coach
Paul Trevor. With this win tonight, SF State improves to 7-1 at home this season, they are on pace to eclipse the 10-2 mark that the 2012-13 squad set under coach Trevor.
Next UP
The Gators return to the road on Wednesday when they take on the very same Cal State San Bernardino squad they faced tonight. Tip-off for Wednesday's game is slated for 7:30 p.m. at the Coussloulis Arena.
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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.
