HAYWARD, Calif. – The Cal State San Marcos men's basketball team erased a 21-point second half deficit to defeat Cal State East Bay, 79-71 in California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) play on Thursday night.
 
CSUSM's second half surge included a 53.6 percent shooting performance including 6-of-13 from behind the arc to help the Cougars complete their largest comeback of the season. On the other side of the ball, the Cougars held CSUEB to just 39.39 percent shooting in the final 20 minutes.
 
The Cougars improve to 12-3 overall and 7-2 in CCAA play while the Pioneers fall to 8-9, 4-7 CCAA.
 
Seniors Ethan Alvano and Josh Spiers led CSUSM offensively with 26 and 24 points, respectively. Alvano played in all 40 minutes for the second consecutive game. The Cougars outscored CSUEB 56-35 in the second half.
 
CSUSM forced 15 Pioneer turnovers on 10 steals including a team-high five by Alvano.
 
CSUEB was led by Drew Bender and Druce Asah with 14 points apiece.
 
The Cougars finished 27-of-36 from the charity stripe.
 
CSUSM is next in action Saturday, Jan. 13  as they taking on Cal State Monterey Bay in Seaside. Tip-off is slated for 3:30 p.m.