SAN LUIS OBISPO -- Cal State LA's men's basketball team competed well on Thursday in the Golden Eagles' first exhibition contest at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

The Golden Eagles started slowly, but never wavered and battled to the end of a 72-60 loss in the Mott Athletics Center. Cal State LA scored only 17 points in the first half, but executed much better in the second half and scored 43 points, outscoring the Mustangs, 43-41, over the final 20 minutes.

Jaden Lazo, who showed so much improvement during his first season with the Golden Eagles, had a team-high 15 points for the Golden Eagles, going 4-of-6 from 3-point range and 3-of-3 from the free-throw line.

Shane Bell, another player who finished the 2020-21 season on a high note, added 12 points, hitting 2-of-3 from 3-point range and both of his free throws. Newcomer Deuce Walker added 10 points and four assists.

Alimamy Koroma led four Cal Poly scorers in double figures with 15 points.

Adrease Jackson had eight points for the Golden Eagles, while Alexander Sokol had seven points and four rebounds.

Cal State LA was just 6-of-26 from the field in the first half and 1-of-11 from 3-point range, but the Golden Eagles warmed up in the second half, going 13-of-29 from the floor, including 6-of-13 from 3-point range. Cal State LA was also perfect from the free-throw line, hitting all 15 of their attempts, including all 11 in the second half.

The Golden Eagles trailed by as many as 20 points in the first half, but got to within 31-17 at halftime after a late 3-pointer by  Bell.

The Golden Eagles got to within nine points at 51-42 with 7:24 to go after a 3-pointer by Lazo and three free throws by Lazo pulled the Golden Eagles to within 63-55 with 1:57 remaining.

Cal State LA continued its push and a 3-pointer by Lazo and a jumper by Walker made it 66-60 in the final minute before the Mustangs scored the final six points.

Cal State LA will play its second exhibition game on Friday night at San Jose State.