Box Score Box Score

In a game that could be described as both “ugly” and “very winnable,” Cal State San Marcos men's basketball let one slip away at home on Thursday, losing 56-49 to Cal Baptist.

The loss snaps a 3-game win streak for the Cougars, who are now 5-4 in their first season of competition.  Cal Baptist improves to 3-1.

Neither team shot the ball well, with the Cougars hitting just 19 of their 61 attempts (31.1%) and CBU connecting on just 17 of 51 (33.3%).  The game came largely down to free throws, with the Lancers getting to the line 35 times and hitting 18 (54.3%) while the Cougars got their only 18 times and knocked down just 8 free throws (44.4%).

Despite the sloppy shooting, the game was tight and tense throughout.  CSUSM led 21-18 at the half, and extended that to 25-18 to start the second half.  But the Cougars were unable to pull away, and within 5 minutes Cal Baptist had a 6 point lead after knocking down back-to-back three pointers. 

CBU's lead would get as high as 10, though CSUSM would cut it down to 3 with just under 5 minutes left.  But the ice cold free throw and three point shooting failed the Cougars, and CBU was able to salt the game away with the home team never getting any closer.

CSUSM was nearly carried to victory by Alpha Ndiaye and A.J. Chamberlain, who both had excellent games.  Ndiaye dominated the inside and scored 13 points on 5-for-9 shooting in addition to grabbing 12 rebounds.  He had CSUSM's only dunk on the night, and showcased a nifty face-up jumper from the top of the key.  Meanwhile, Chamberlain showed consistent aggressiveness in getting to the rim, scoring 13 of his own on 6-for-10 shooting.

The Cougars will face a very tough test at home early next week, as the NAIA's #4-ranked team Concordia (CA) comes to town.