Box Score
Box Score

Throughout the Cal State San Marcos Men's Basketball inaugural campaign, the Cougars have teased fans with flashes of brilliance entwined with bouts of inconsistency. Based on their athleticism and talent, they look the part of a dangerous team, but haven't quite been able to consistently put together the full package over 40 minutes. That might be changing, however.
 
For the second straight night, CSUSM was able to do just that, defeating Robert Morris (IL) 90-66, and winning by 24+ points in back-to-back games. But this was no ordinary win for San Marcos-- it was a statement.

The Cougars (8-7) jumped all over the #2 ranked Robert Morris Eagles (12-1), who were previously unbeaten. Robert Morris is a perennial NAIA powerhouse, having reached the final eight in 8 straight years. The Eagles had also recently knocked off #1 ranked Concordia (CA), and are likely to be the #1 team in the country when the newest rankings come out.
 
But on Thursday night, Cal State San Marcos looked the part of the best team in the land. The Cougars shot 58% on the night, while holding the Eagles to only 30%, and out-rebounded Robert Morris 48-35.
 
AJ Chamberlain (23 points, 13 rebounds) and Tim Steed (22 points, 11 rebounds) both recorded double-doubles to lead San Marcos, and point guard Danny Redmon dished out 13 assists. Redmon's layup with 5:48 remaining in the first half gave the Cougars a 28-27 lead— a lead they would never relinquish.
 
The Cougars would go on to halftime with a 44-34 advantage, and quickly opened up a 20+ point lead early in the second half. CSUSM had 9 dunks on the evening, many of which were highlight-reel material. This was San Marcos' second win against a ranked team this season, having previously defeated then #2 Mountain State (WV) 66-56.
 
Coach Jim Saia was very pleased with his team's effort, in what he called a “historic win” for this program. “To do what they did tonight was spectacular. They executed the game plan and played with a lot of heart. We're starting to get this thing in the right direction, and it's a very exciting time for Cal State San Marcos Basketball.”
 
The Cougars will look to repeat tonight's effort again tomorrow night in the final game of the Las Vegas Classic.  San Marcos will face Great Falls (MT), who is 11-1, in what should be a great final matchup of the calendar year.