Despite leading most of the game, Westmont Men’s Basketball (2-1) suffered its first lost of the season on Friday night as the Warriors fell 70-66 to the Coyotes of Cal State San Bernardino (1-0).
Preston Branson scored 23 points making seven of 12 from the field and nine of 10 from the free throw line. CJ Miller added another 13 points on four-of-seven shooting.
The Warriors led 28-18 at halftime, however the Coyotes opened up the second half with a 15-3 run to pull within two points (33-31) with 13:44 left in regulation. Westmont held on to the lead until the Coyotes’ Juan Martinez nailed a three-pointer to put San Bernardino up 53-51 with 5:14 showing on the clock.
A layup by Branson and two free throws by Miller put the Warriors up by two (55-53). However, free throws by Kwame Alexander and Martinez restored the lead to the Coyotes with 3:35 remaining. Two minutes later, Cal State San Bernardino was up by nine. The Warriors battled back to within three points, but would get no closer.
Theron Laudermill led the Coyotes with 18 points and Martinez came off the bench to score 14.
The Warriors held the Coyotes to 25% shooting in the first half (5 of 20), but San Bernardino shot 52% in the second half (13 of 25). Westmont shot 43.5% in the first half (10 of 23) and 48% in the second half (12 of 25). The Coyotes also won the battle of the boards, 37-22.
Westmont will next be in action on Friday, November 18 when they travel across town for an exhibition game with UC Santa Barbara. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
