Box Score LOS ANGELES -- Cal State L.A.'s men's basketball team used a powerful second-half to ensure a successful beginning to the 2012-13 season.
The Golden Eagles built an 18-point halftime lead and then really broke the game open in the second half of a 90-48 win over La Sierra University Friday afternoon in the Eagles Nest. Cal State L.A. (1-0) shot 65.6 percent in the second half and outscored the visitors, 51-27 over the final 20 minutes of play.
James Tillman scored 20 points to lead five Golden Eagles in double figures.
Joshua Munzon also had a promising debut with 19 points, including four successful 3-pointers.
Marc Wilson had 17 points, seven rebounds and five steals.
Lyombo Loundu had 14 points to lead La Sierra (0-2).
Cal State L.A. shot 50.7 percent for the game (35-of-69) and knocked down seven of their 15 attempts from behind the 3-point arc. The Golden Eagles struggled in that department in two exhibition games against NCAA Division I opponents. Cal State L.A. also enjoyed a 52-27 rebounding edge and forced 21 turnovers while committing 15.
Jordan Richard had 12 points and 12 rebounds, while
Julian Camper added 12 points and seven rebounds.
Willie Trimble had six points and a team-high five assists.
Richard opened the scoring with a dunk and, after La Sierra scored to tie it at 2-2, Munzon knocked down a 3-pointer and Tillman made a layup and the Golden Eagles were off and running. La Sierra closed to within 10-6, but a 3-pointer by Trimble stopped the run. Cal State L.A. opened up leads as large as 18 points in the first half and held that same margin at halftime after a tip-in by Richard made it 39-21 at halftime.
La Sierra stayed within 18 points at 41-23 early in the second half, but Cal State L.A. broke the game open with a 29-6 run that made the score 70-29. A steal and dunk by Wilson and a 3-pointer by Trimble gave the Golden Eagles their biggest lead at 86-35 late in the game.
The Golden Eagles will return to action next Thursday, Nov. 15 with their California Collegiate Athletic Association opener at Cal State Dominguez Hills.
