LOS ANGELES -- Cal State LA's women's basketball team found the going tough Tuesday in the Golden Eagles' home and California Collegiate Athletic Association opener against Cal State San Marcos.

The Golden Eagles fell behind by eight points at halftime and never could recover in a 73-62 loss to Cal State San Marcos in University Gym. Cal State LA (1-2, 0-1 CCAA) struggled on the boards and from distance, but stayed competitive throughout against a talented Cal State San Marcos team. 

Yesenia Smith had 12 points and three assists for the Golden Eagles, while Sydney Bordonaro had 11 points and three assists.

Cal State San Marcos (2-0, 1-0 CCAA) had four players score in doubles figures, led by Dynnah Buckner with 20 points and eight rebounds. Emma Forel had a 19-point, 12-rebound double-double.

Nicole Flennaugh had nine points for the Golden Eagles, while Mackenzie Barnes had six points and six rebounds. Rachael DiRegolo had a team-high seven rebounds and two blocks to go along with four points.

Cal State LA shot just 35.9 percent for the game (23-of-64), while Cal State San Marcos shot 52.6 percent (30-of-57). The Golden Eagles were just 2-of-17 from 3-point range, while the Cougars were 4-of-17. Cal State LA was 14-of-20 from the free-throw line, while Cal State San Marcos was 9-of-17.

Cal State LA was out-rebounded, 43-27. The Golden Eagles committed only five turnovers, while the Cougars committed 15.

Cal State LA fell into an early 11-4 hole, but got baskets from Alyssa Fisher, Bordonaro, Barnes, Amiete Nyingifa and Smith to take a 14-11 lead. A free throw by Nyingifa gave the Golden Eagles a 15-14 lead before the Cougars took a 16-15 lead after one quarter.

A 3-pointer by Flennaugh gave the Golden Eagles a 20-19 lead early in the second quarter, but that was the last lead of the game for Cal State LA. A pair of free throw by Bordonaro brought the Golden Eagles to within 30-28, but the Cougars scored the final six points of the quarter to take a 36-28 halftime lead.

A layup by Barnes and a basket by Jolene Robinson kept the Golden Eagles within 45-38, but the Cougars stretched the lead to 50-40 by the end of the third period and held off a late Cal State LA charge in the fourth quarter.

Cal State LA will return to action on Friday with the first of two games at Simon Fraser.