Toros Men Drop Season Opener to Cal Baptist 72-70
Toros poor shooting spell defeat in season opener against visiting Cal Baptist
November 24, 2001

CARSON, Calif.-The Cal State Dominguez Hills men's basketball team suffered a 72-70 loss to visiting Cal Baptist in their 2001-02 season opener this evening in the Torodome. Three Lancer players scored in double figures to pace the visitor's attack.

The Toros found themselves down by as many as six points with 6:23 remaining in the game. However, they would go on a 11-3 run capped on a jumper by sophomore forward Lamar Lawrence to take a 31-29 lead with 1:28 left in the half. CSUDH would close out the rest of the period on a 6-2 run with four of those points coming from senior center Kevin Blunt to take a 37-31 lead into the break.

Poor shooting in the second half doomed the Toros though as the squad managed only 33% in the second period. CSUDH missed their first six shot attempts of the half and Cal Baptist took advantage. CBU would open the half on a 17-7 run, highlighted by consecutive treys by guard Will Porter taking a 48-44 lead with 12:36 left in the game.

CSUDH would come back to tie the game twice over the next six minutes and took the lead 58-57 on two free throws by Lawrence with 6:24 remaining in the game. But Lancer center Omar Lopez scored three consecutive baskets down low to give the visitors the lead for good 62-61 with 2:29 left. Cal Baptist would hang on down the stretch for the final 72-70 margin.

The Toros (0-1) were led in the losing effort by senior guard Jacob Poole's double-double scoring 19 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Kevin Blunt followed with a double-double of his own with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Justin Goree also registered double figures with 13 points on the night.

For Cal Baptist (2-2), Omar Lopez scored a game-high 20 points on 8-12 shooting from the floor. Guard Jeff Berokoff poured in 19 points including three treys and pulled down a team-high seven boards. Will Porter checked in with 14 points to round out the scoring for the Lancers.

Cal State Dominguez Hills is back in action here in the Torodome hosting Pomona-Pitzer on Saturday, Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m.