TURLOCK -- Cal State LA's men's basketball team used one of its patented rallies Saturday night to pick up an important California Collegiate Athletic Association victory.
Fard Muhammad hit a go-ahead 3-pointer with four seconds left to lift the Golden Eagles to a 61-58 victory over Stanislaus State in Fitzpatrick Arena. Cal State LA (6-4, 2-3 CCAA) trailed at halftime, 32-18, but outscored the Warriors, 43-26, in the second half. Cal State LA (6-4, 2-3 CCAA) got a huge game from Muhammad, who poured in 22 points and was 6-of-12 from 3-point range.
CJ Fisher had 10 points and five rebounds for the Golden Eagles, while
Ja'Sean Lewis had nine points, six rebounds and a key block that sealed the victory.
Ty Davis had 16 points for Stanislaus State (6-3, 2-2 CCAA).
The Golden Eagles shot just 25 percent in the opening half and trailed by 14 points before heating up in the second period. Cal State LA shot 22-of-62 for the game (35.5 percent) and hit 11-of-36 from 3-point range (30.6 percent). The Warriors shot 45.8 percent (22-of-48) and were 5-of-18 from 3-point range. Cal State LA was just 6-of-13 from the free-throw line, while Stanislaus State was 9-of-12. Cal State LA was out-rebounded, 31-28, but committed only 13 turnovers to 23 for the Warriors.
The Golden Eagles still trailed by 13 points in the second half before a quick 8-0 run got them back into it. Muhammad hit a 3-pointer to start the run, Fisher hit a jumper and a 3-pointer by Lewis made it 40-35. Three straight 3-pointers by Muhammad brought the Golden Eagles to within 51-50, before a layup by Lewis, a layup by Fisher and a free throw by Fisher gave the Golden Eagles a 53-51 lead.
After the Warriors regained the lead, 56-53, Muhammad made a 3-pointer to tie it. A jumper by Muhammad gave the Golden Eagles a 58-56 lead, but the Warriors tied it with 1:33 to go.
Muhammad then hit the game-winner with four seconds left. Lewis blocked a 3-point attempt at the buzzer to secure the win.
Cal State LA will return to action on Friday with a non-conference game against Bethesda.Â