LOS ANGELES -- Cal State LA's women's basketball team thrilled a nice crowd in University Gym with a game-winning 3-point basket from Yesenia Smith.

The Golden Eagles tied the game with a free throw from Raya Smith with 39 seconds left and then got a big steal from Nevaeh Asiasi with 20 seconds to go. Lily Buggs dribbled in and whipped a pass to Yesenia Smith in the corner for a 3-pointer and she hit nothing but net with 2.6 seconds remaining to lift the Golden Eagles to a 61-58 California Collegiate Athletic Association win.

Cal State LA (18-8, 15-6) moved a game ahead of Chico State in the race for third place in the conference, while the Seawolves (15-12, 12-9 CCAA) slipped to sixth place with one game remaining. Both teams have already clinched a spot in the CCAA Tournament and if the standings stay as they are, the Golden Eagles and Seawolves would meet in the first round for the second straight season.

Cal State LA can clinch third with a win on Saturday against Cal Poly Humboldt.

A short-handed Cal State LA team came up big down the stretch, which was a great step forward after two hard-fought losses on the road last week. Buggs led the way with 15 points, six rebounds, four assists and three steals, while Asiasi also had a strong game with 14 points, three rebounds and three steals. Olivia Hodges just missed a double-double with nine points and 13 rebounds.

Amanda Luckett had 13 points and nine rebounds for the Seawolves, while Alli McDonald had 12 points and seven rebounds.

Raya Smith had nine points and three assists for the Golden Eagles, while Yesenia Smith finished with six points, four assists and four steals.

Cal State LA shot just 35.5 percent for the game (22-of-62) and made just 7-of-23 from 3-point range. The Golden Eagles were also just 10-of-20 from the free-throw line. Sonoma State shot 42 percent (21-of-50) and was only 2-of-10 from 3-point range. The Golden Eagles were out-rebounded, 44-34, but committed only 12 turnovers to 24 for the Seawolves.

Silvia Fonongaloa got the Golden Eagles off to a quick start by scoring the first five points of the game, but Sonoma State battled back to take a 33-31 lead at halftime.

The Golden Eagles outscored the Seawolves, 19-8, and led by as many as 11 points at 50-39 following a layup by Asiasi before settling for a 50-41 lead entering the fourth.

The Golden Eagles went cold in the fourth quarter, though, and was ultimately caught and passed when Jayme Blackard scored to give the Seawolves a 58-57 advantage with 1:07 to go. Raya Smith was fouled with 39 seconds left and hit one free throw to tie it and set the stage for the tremendous finish and the late heroics from Asiasi, Buggs and Yesenia Smith.

Cal State LA will conclude the regular-season with a home game against Cal Poly Humboldt on Saturday at 1 p.m. on Senior Day.