Fifth-ranked Westmont suffered its second loss of the basketball season on Wednesday, falling to No. 15 Cal State San Marcos by a score of 66-52.
The Warriors struggled from three-point range, making just one of sixteen attempts.
Up 19-18 with 6:25 to play in the first half, San Marcos (10-4) went on a 13-4 run over the next five minutes to achieve its first double-digit lead (32-22). A standard three-point play by junior forward C.J. Miller cut the halftime score to 32-25.
The Cougars stretched their advantage to 12 points (44-32) with 13:51 remaining in the second half, but the Warriors battled back to pull within four points (51-47) when Jordan Sachs scored on a layup with 7:42 to play. However, San Marcos closed out the game on a 15-5 run.
Westmont was led in scoring by Miller and sophomore center Daniel Carlin who each scored 11 points and collected four rebounds. Jason Ritchie tallied seven points while Preston Branson contributed six points, five steals and three rebounds.
Quincy Lawson and Adam Eakles each scored 12 points and had six rebounds for the Cougars while Jose Rivera added 10 points and four rebounds.
The Warriors will take a break for Christmas before hosting the 37th annual Tom Byron Classic on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 28 and 29. On Friday at 3 o’clock, Westminster (Utah) will take on St. Xavier (Ill.) in the first game. In the second game at 7:30 p.m., Westmont will host William Jessup.
On Saturday, the consolation game will be played at 3 o’clock and the championship game will play at 7:30 p.m.
