LOS ANGELES -- Cal State LA's men's basketball team put itself in position for a California Collegiate Athletic Association win in its return from the holidays.

A cold spell in the second half, though, was costly and the Golden Eagles fell to Cal State San Marcos, 70-61, Sunday in University Gym. Cal State LA (3-9, 0-6 CCAA) entered the break after a big non-conference win at Fresno Pacific on Dec. 20, but the Golden Eagles couldn't make it two in a row on Sunday. Cal State LA built a six-point lead early in the second half and took its last lead with 10 minutes to go, but couldn't hang on.

Cal State San Marcos (10-0, 6-0 CCAA) won its second straight game over the Golden Eagles this season.

Elisha Duplechan had an efficient game for the Golden Eagles, pouring in a game-high 20 points to go along with two assists and two steals. Adrease Jackson had 10 points and a game-high 16 rebounds, while Dominic Escobar had 10 points and four rebounds.

Greg Milton III led three Cougars in double figures with 18 points. 

Alexander Sokol had seven points, four rebounds and three assists for the Golden Eagles. 

Cal State LA shot 41.2 percent for the game (21-of-51) and was 8-of-23 from 3-point range (34.8 percent). Cal State San Marcos shot 42.9 percent (24-of-56) and was 9-of-23 from 3-point range (39.1 percent). Cal State LA was 11-of-16 from the free-throw line, but just 1-of-4 in the second half, while Cal State San Marcos was 13-of-18 from the line, including 11-of-12 in the second half.

Cal State LA was out-rebounded, 35-31, and committed 16 turnovers to only seven for Cal State San Marcos.

The Golden Eagles trailed by one point at halftime, 36-35, but opened the second half with a strong run and took a 44-38 lead after baskets by Sokol and Kyjuan Cannady, a 3-pointer by Jackson and a layup by Duplechan. 

Cal State LA still led, 47-43, after a 3-pointer by Duplechan and took its last lead, 53-52, after a 3-pointer by Escobar with 10:18 remaining. Cal State San Marcos, though, went on an 11-2 run to take the lead for good. A 3-pointer by Cannady pulled the Golden Eagles to within five points at 63-58 with 4:15 to go, but that's as close as they would get.

Cal State LA will return to action with a home game against Sonoma State on Thursday.