Toros Men Win First Game of Season Against Hope International, 80-51
Head Coach Damaine Powell Records First Career CSUDH Victory
December 7, 2004

FULLERTON, Calif.--December 7, 2004, a day that will go down in infamy in CSUDH men's basketball modern history; at least for new head coach Damaine Powell, as he led his troops to its first win of the 2004-05 campaign defeating Hope International University, 80-51, in non-conference play at Darling Pavilion.

Senior guard Les Norman led a trio of Toro players in double-figures with a game-high 24 points. Norman was hot shooting 10-of-13 from the field and tied for the team lead with eight boards.

After an ugly first half which saw 24 combined turnovers and the Toros up by eight points at the break (37-29), CSUDH (1-6) turned up the defensive pressure holding the Royals to 22% shooting (8-36) from the field in the second period. The Toros answered by making 52% of its shots (16-31), including going 9-of-9 from the free throw line while outscoring the hosts 43-22.

Cal State Dominguez Hills opened up the second half with a 21-6 run over the first ten minutes to take control for good. HIU never got closer than 19 points and the Toros led by as many as 31 points before settling for the 80-51 final.

"It's nice to get that first win," said Powell. "The guys worked hard tonight and played tough, hard-nosed defense. I am proud of them. We are getting better every game and that is all a coach can ask for."

Eric Crookshank and Phillip Givens followed Norman with 10 points a piece. Crookshank also grabbed eight boards off the glass. As a team, CSUDH outrebounded the Royals 43-32.

The Toros are back in non-conference action on Thursday, December 16 traveling to Costa Mesa to take on Vanguard University. First tip is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.