LOS ANGELES -- Cal State LA's men's basketball team was down to just eight players Thursday night in its California Collegiate Athletic Association contest against Chico State and short-handed Golden Eagles came up short against one of the conference leaders.

The Golden Eagles got solid contributions from all eight of their players on Thursday in an 82-65 loss to the Wildcats in University Gym. Cal State LA (6-12, 3-9 CCAA) hung close for most of the first half until Chico State (16-3, 12-3 CCAA) moved out to a 43-30 halftime lead.

It was an uphill battle for the Golden Eagles the rest of the way.

Alexander Sokol led the Golden Eagles with 18 points and seven rebounds, while Jaden Lazo had a season-high 12 points and three assists and Ben Uloko also had 12 points on a perfect shooting night. Uloko was 4-for-4 from the floor and 4-for-4 from the free-throw line.

Malik Duffy had 21 points to lead three Wildcats in double figures.

Kyjuan Cannady had eight points, four rebounds and four assists for the Golden Eagles, while Adrease Jackson had seven points and three rebounds.

Cal State LA shot 42 percent for the game (21-of-50) and was 7-of-21 from 3-point range. Chico State shot 49 percent (30-of-61) and was 11-of-20 from 3-point range. Cal State LA was 16-of-20 from the free-throw line, while Chico State was 11-of-16. Chico State had a 34-30 rebounding edge and committed just nine turnovers to 14 for the Golden Eagles.

The Golden Eagles got off to a strong start with a driving layup by Lazo and a 3-pointer by Cannady staking the Golden Eagles to an early 5-3 lead. The Golden Eagles trailed by as many as 10 points late in the first half before a jumper by Jackson and a 3-pointer Sokol cut the deficit to 35-30 with 2:45 remaining in the period.

Chico State, though, scored the final eight points of the half to take a 43-30 halftime lead.

The Golden Eagles struggled offensively for much of the second half and managed only nine points in the first 11 minutes before showing some firepower over the final nine minutes. Lazo hit a pair of 3-pointers down the stretch and Cannady added one as well as Cal State LA scored 24 points over the final nine minutes of play.

Cal State LA will play its final home game of the season on Saturday against Stanislaus State at 3 p.m. The Golden Eagles will honor their two seniors - Lyrik Shreiner and Elisha Duplechan - in pregame ceremonies.  Read Full Article