Toros Men Drop Non-Conference Road Game to CS Monterey Bay, 66-53
Freshman center leads CSUDH in loss with 17 points and 8 rebounds
December 14, 2002

Complete Box Score

SEASIDE, Calif.-Cal State Dominguez Hills couldn't hold on to a one-point halftime lead at Cal State Monterey Bay losing the non-conference game, 66-53 Saturday night at the Otter Sports Center.

CSUDH (2-2) took a 29-28 lead into the break thanks in part to freshman center Ryan Meilleur (Lakewood/Artesia HS) who had 11 first half points while the team shot a hot 59% from the field (13-22). The Toros were also dominant on the glass in the first 20 minutes out-rebounding the Otters 16-4.

But CSUMB (2-9) came out strong in the second period taking the lead on its first possession, 31-29, on three free throws by guard Antoine Griffin. The Otters extended its lead to five points over the first five minutes before the Toros would mount a small comeback.

Meilleur hit a short jumper at 11:19 giving CSUDH a 40-39 lead. Both teams would trade baskets over the next four minutes to keep it close. Freshman guard Saul Lankster's (Long Beach/Centennial HS) two free throws tied the game, 47-47, at the 7:16 mark.

Monterey Bay would take the lead in their next possession that they would never relinquish. The Otters held the Toros to one point over the next six minutes while going on a 11-1 run to take a 58-48 lead with 1:20 left. CSUMB would hit 8-9 charity stripes down the stretch to hold on for the non-conference win.

Meilleur led the Toros with 17 points and 8 boards. Senior forward Andre Brown (San Jose/USF) followed with 13 points on 6-9 shooting while grabbing 6 rebounds. In the game, CSUDH shot 46% (22-48) and out-rebounded Monterey Bay 31-24.

The Toros are back in action on Wednesday, Dec. 18 hosting Dominican University (CA) in the Torodome at 7 PM.