LOS ANGELES -- Cal State LA's men's basketball team continues to see its numbers dwindle due to injuries, but the Golden Eagles have certainly shown tremendous fortitude against seemingly insurmountable odds.

Playing with only seven players to start the game, the Golden Eagles saw that number dip to six early in the first half, yet they had a chance to tie or win the game in the final possession of a 62-60 California Collegiate Athletic Association loss to Stanislaus State Saturday in University Gym. 

The Golden Eagles (6-13, 3-10 CCAA) faced a 14-point halftime deficit, but rallied strongly in the second half to tie the game at 60-60 before Stanislaus State got a go-ahead basket with 1:53 to go. Alexander Sokol got a great look at a potential game-winning 3-pointer, but the ball rattled in and then out in heartbreaking fashion. Ben Uloko, who returned gamely from a leg injury in the second half, battled for the rebound, but couldn't quite manage a basket as time ran out.

Uloko had 18 points and seven rebounds for the Golden Eagles, while Sokol finished with 16 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Kyjuan Cannady added 11 points, seven rebounds and two assists.

Luis Salgado had 15 points to lead Stanislaus State (8-13, 5-11 CCAA). Tony Singleton had 14 points, including what turned out to be the game-winning basket.

All seven players who saw action for the Golden Eagles gave outstanding effort. Shane Bell had one rebound and one steal in seven minutes, but had to exit the game after seven minutes due to an injury he sustained on Thursday.

Jaden Lazo played all 40 minutes and ended up with six points, five assists and five steals. Sean Estes had six points and a pair of steals in 20 minutes and Justin Collins hit a 3-pointer to go along with three rebounds and three assists in a season-high 30 minutes.

Stanislaus State scored the final five points of the first half to take a 40-26 halftime lead, but Cal State LA rebounded after the break to score the first 10 points of the second half to make it an exciting game down the stretch. Cannady had a steal and basket to start the half, Uloko got a dunk off a pass from Lazo, Cannady hit a 3-pointer, Uloko hit a free throw and Uloko scored on a layup to make it 40-36 with 16 minutes to go.

The Golden Eagles fell behind by nine points before a 3-pointer by Sokol started another run. Another 3-pointer by Sokol made it 50-45 with 10 minutes remaining and a layup by Sokol brought the Golden Eagles within 50-47 with nine minutes to play.

Lazo hit a 3-pointer and knocked down a pair of free throws to make it 57-55 and another 3-pointer by Sokol brought the Golden Eagles to within 60-58 with four minutes left. A Lazo steal led to a pair of free throws by Uloko and he hit both to tie it at 60-60 and set up the frantic final two minutes.

Cal State LA honored its two seniors -- Lyrik Shreiner and Elisha Duplechan - in pre-game ceremonies.

Cal State LA will be on the road for its final two games of the season beginning with a contest at Cal Poly Humboldt on Thursday.




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