ROHNERT PARK, Calif. – Sparked by a big second half effort, the Cal State San Marcos men's basketball team erased a nine-point halftime deficit to take down Sonoma State, 85-72, in California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) play on Saturday night inside the Wolves' Den.
 
CSUSM shot a blistering 66.7 percent from the field in the second half, outscoring the Seawolves 60-38. Senior Ethan Alvano finished with a game-high 22 points, 16 coming in the final 20 minutes.
 
Following the win, CSUSM extends their win streak to three games and improves its record to 17-4 overall, 12-3 in CCAA play. SSU drops to 9-12, 7-10 CCAA. This is the fourth time this season the Cougars have won at least three consecutive games.
 
Trailing 42-34, junior Bear Henderson hit a 3-pointer to cut the deficit to just five points with 15:24 left to play in regulation. The Cougars would then go on a 7-0 run following Henderson's basket and take a 45-42 lead capped by a layup from senior Brian Wright with under 13 minutes to play.
 
The two teams would eventually trade baskets before CSUSM was able to finally put the game out of reach after a made free throw from Wright made the score 76-66 with just 1:07 left in regulation.
 
Senior Joe Boyd fell a point short of his ninth double-double of the season after finishing with nine points and a game-high 14 rebounds.
 
CSUSM outrebounded the Seawolves, 34-27.
 
The Cougars largest deficit was 12 points with 19:19 remaining in the second half.
 
The Cougars will continue their three-game road trip as they travel to Pomona to take on CCAA leading Broncos of Cal Poly Pomona on Tuesday, Feb. 6. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.