By Brandon Landrum |Staff Writer|
Despite two losses in the past two games, the CSUSB men’s basketball team bounced back with two straight wins on Jan. 18 and 19.
The Coyotes played the Pioneers of CSU East Bay on Jan. 18 and the Otters of CSU Monterey Bay on Jan. 19.
The Coyotes got off to a great start in their first of six games on the road in Heyward as they cruised to a 71-59 victory over CSU East Bay.
In the first half of the game, the Coyotes started off sluggish as the Pioneers jumped out to a quick five to nothing lead in the opening minutes.
The Coyotes quickly turned it around as Kwame Alexander finished the first half with 11 points, and eight rebounds and Brian Goins with seven points and two rebounds.
The Coyotes shot 1-5 from the 3-point line and shot a total 10-22 from the field in the first half.
Going into halftime the Coyotes and Pioneers were tied at 30-30.
In the second half, the Coyotes played good defense which caused the Pioneers to make turnovers and miss shots.
Alexander ended up scoring a career high of 26 points and added 13 rebounds.
Right behind him was Goins scoring 12 points that help lead the Yote’s to victory of 71-59.
Going into Saturday’s game the Coyotes looked to take their 1-0 road record to Seaside, CA. to play against the Otters of CSU Monterey Bay.
The Otters suffered a loss the night before and looked to bounce back against the Coyotes.
The Coyotes went into the “Kelp Bed” with one thing on their mind, which was to win the game.
In the first half, the Coyotes got off to a great start by scoring 50 of thier 85 points.
Alexander scored 11 points leading the way and Junior shooting guard Lacy Haddock rallied behind him scoring 10 points.
The team received many of their first half points from nine second chance points and 11 points off of turnovers.
With the 27-point lead going into halftime the Coyotes had to stay focus and close the deal in the second half.
In the second half, they continued the great teamwork and sank 13-30 shots in the second half.
Three of their shots were from the three-point line where they shot 50 percent.
With the 27-point lead, the Coyotes were outscored 35-44 in the second half, but still managed to win 85-67.
Like the night before, Alexander led the team with 20 points and juniors Goins and Joshua Gouch had 12 points each.
On a two game winning streak, the CSUSB men’s basketball team looks to extend their winnings.
The Coyotes have upcoming games on Feb. 1 and Feb. 2 against the Golden Eagles of CSU Los Angeles and the Toro’s of CSU Dominguez Hill.
If the Coyotes win these next two games, there is a possibility that they could be a half a game from the first place California Polytechnic Pomona.
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