LOS ANGELES -- Cal State LA's men's basketball team got another inspired from its short-handed group on Saturday and posted another big California Collegiate Athletic Association win.

With injuries and illness depleting the squad, the Golden Eagles still managed to start quickly and hold on for an 81-66 win over Sonoma State in University Gym. Cal State LA (9-4, 4-3 CCAA) won its second conference game this week to end 2019 on a positive swing.

Khalil Williams poured in a season-high 25 points to lead four Golden Eagles in double figures while playing all 40 minutes. He also had five rebounds and four assists. Sean Estes had 18 points and Michael Wright had 16 points, seven rebounds, nine assists and three steals.

Nick Klarman and Michael Smith had 17 points each to lead Sonoma State (3-10, 2-5 CCAA).

Ja'Sean Lewis battled foul trouble throughout, but had an incredible impact on the game. He had 10 points, four rebounds and four assists in 22 minutes of action and was a plus-28 during his time on the court.

Cal State LA shot 47.5 percent for the game (29-of-61) and hit 13-of-31 from 3-point range. Williams was 5-of-9 from behind the arc, while Estes was 4-of-10. Cal State LA was 10-of-11 from the free-throw line. Sonoma State shot 50 percent for the game (23-of-46) and was 7-of-18 from 3-point range. The Seawolves were 13-of-19 from the free-throw line.

Cal State LA was out-rebounded, 28-25, but committed only 11 turnovers to 19 for Sonoma State.

Cal State LA opened the game with a 10-0 run and kept the lead for the entire game. Williams and Lewis hit back-to-back 3-pointers and Estes and Williams made baskets before Sonoma State got on the board with a layup by Wright. Cal State LA opened up a 27-10 lead after a 3-pointer by Estes and a dunk by Lewis and took its biggest lead of the game, 40-20, after a 3-pointer by Estes.

The Golden Eagles saw their lead cut to 43-32 by halftime.

A basket by Michael-Isaiah Ajiboye gave the Golden Eagles a 53-37 lead with 14 minutes to play, but Sonoma State was able to go on an 18-6 run that made it 59-55 before a big three-point play by Lewis and a steal and layup by Wright boosted the lead back to 64-55 with five minutes to go. Cal State LA was able to extend its advantage down the stretch.

Cal State LA will now head to a holiday break and return to action on Thursday, Jan. 2, with a home game against Chico State.