Toros Men Drop Season Opener at UC Irvine
Powell unsuccessful in debut against NCAA D-1 opponent
November 19, 2004

Complete Box Score

Irvine, Calif.--(November 19, 2004)--First year Cal State Dominguez Hills men's basketball head coach Damaine Powell's debut was one to forget as UC Irvine had their way with the visiting Toros Friday night at the Bren Events Center, 106-69.

It was the season opener for both sides, as CSUDH drops to 0-1 to begin the campaign while UCI is 1-0.

The Anteaters raced out to a 14-5 lead in the first five minutes and took a 16-point lead into the break, 51-35, thanks mostly to a blazing 58.1% field goal percentage in the first half.

CSUDH trimmed the deficit down to 12 twice early in the second period, however, UCI took control of the boards getting many second and third shots. On the night, UC Irvine enjoyed a 46-34 advantage on the boards. The Anteaters hot hand continued in the second half shooting 58.3% and finishing the game with a 58.2% field goal percentage. The Toros on the other hand, shot 31% on the night including 27.3% in the second half.

CSUDH senior guard Les Norman was held to four points in the second half but still tied for game-high honors with 22 points. Junior guard Jamel Gay enjoyed a solid performance on the evening with a career-high 19 points, including going 9-12 from the free-throw line. Quishawn Harrell and Quenton Harvey finished with a team-high six rebounds apiece.

Senior big-man Greg Ethington led UCI with 22 points while Aaron Fitzgerald finished with 20 on 8-11 shooting from the field.

The Toros will put this game behind them and use it as a learning tool for Monday's home opener in the Torodome. CSUDH will take on a tough Christian Heritage College team beginning at 7:30 p.m.