Toros Break Eight Game Losing Streak; Defeat UC San Diego, 87-81
Jacob Poole's 28 points lead four CSUDH players in double figures in CCAA victory over UCSD
January 5, 2002

CARSON, Calif.-The Cal State Dominguez Hills men's basketball chalked up their first league win by defeating UC San Diego 87-81 tonight in the Torodome on the hot hand of senior point guard Jacob Poole (Mt. Carmel HS) who poured in a career-high 28 points. The win breaks an eight-game losing streak dating back to early December.

Down 37-32 at the break, CSUDH went on a 26-12 run to open the second half to take a nine point lead 58-49 with 12:01 left in the game. During that span, Poole scored 13 of the Toros points going a perfect 5-5 from the field. UC San Diego would climb back into the game answering with a 22-13 run to tie the game 71-71 with 4:21 remaining on a layup by Nick Christensen.

CSUDH (2-9, 1-5 CCAA) would take the lead for good in their next possession on a putback by senior center Kevin Blunt (Pacific HS) giving the Toros a 73-71 lead. Cal State Dominguez Hills would build their lead to nine points in the final four minutes before the Tritons' Ryan Swed connected on a three-pointer at the buzzer to account for the final margin.

Poole led all with 28 points on 11-14 shooting from the floor while also pulling down eight rebounds. Junior forward Justin Goree (Fairfield HS) and freshman guard Earl Rowland (Palma HS) each recorded career-highs with 21 and 20 points respectively. Kevin Blunt registered his second consecutive double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds. He also had all of the Toros five blocks in the game.

For UC San Diego (4-9, 1-5 CCAA), they were paced in the losing effort by Ryan Swed's 24 points. Cameron Jackson and C.J. Duffaut knocked in 12 points each while Ryan Rickansrud chipped in with 11 points. Hassan Bassiri came off the bench to pull down a team-high eight rebounds.

The Toros are back in conference action next weekend hosting Sonoma State on Friday, January 11. First tip is set for 7:30 p.m.