Box Score

Tim Steed's first half three-point barrage set the tone, as Cal State San Marcos men's basketball evened its record on the season with a blowout win at home over Embry-Riddle (FL), 82-55.

CSUSM is now 3-3 on the year.  Embry-Riddle falls to 4-3 after the first night of its two-game west coast swing.

Both teams had little to no trouble getting to the rim in the early game, but while the visitors struggled to convert their chances, the Cougars couldn't seem to miss.  CSUSM jumped out to an 11-2 lead, and by the time Embry-Riddle started hitting shots, Steed had started drilling threes.  The former Fresno State guard shot a perfect 5-for-5 from downtown in the first half, with the fifth one being a ridiculous heat check off the dribble that seemed to signify where the game was headed.  The Cougars held a commanding 44-26 lead at the half.

Any hope the visitors had of CSUSM coming out flat in the second half were quickly erased, as Danny Redmon tossed an alley-oop that Alpha Ndiaye soared to hammer down for his only points on the night.  Redmon had his best game as a Cougar, running the team effectively and making good decisions.  He recorded a game-high 8 assists against just 2 turnovers, and added 6 points, 3 rebounds, 3 steals.

Steed played limited second half minutes, finishing with 18 points on 6-for-9 shooting and 5-for-6 from three, and also grabbing 5 boards, dishing 3 assists, and adding 3 steals.  A.J. Chamberlain matched Steed with 18 points on 6-for-9 shooting, and Jamel McGuire added 13 and also shot 6-for-9.

CSUSM took full advantage of Embry-Riddle's lack of size inside, out-rebounding the Eagles by a definitive 46-26 margin.  The Cougars shot a sparkling 60% as a team, holding their opponents to 29.5% from the field and 11.8% (2-for-17) from behind the arc.

It was a comprehensive victory for Coach Jim Saia's Cougars, who will look to get above .500 at the Holy Names Tournament starting Friday.