ROHNERT PARK, Calif- Freshman
Blake Saunders had 16 points, including a clutch layup in the final minute, to lead Sonoma State to a thrilling 65-62 win over regionally-ranked Cal State L.A. on Friday night in Rohnert Park. The Seawolves go to 9-8, 5-6 CCAA with the win while the Golden Eagles drop to 12-6, 6-5 CCAA.
Sonoma State jumped out to a 25-15 lead with 6:30 left in the first half before CSULA quickly reeled off ten in a row to pull even. The Seawolves then outpointed the Golden Eagles 9-2 over the rest of the half to lead at the break, 34-27.
The Golden Eagles took their first lead of the second half at the 13:15 mark and they more or less held on to it for the next ten minutes.
Down the stretch, SSU got big buckets from
Mike Nelson and
Ben Washington to pull close. Down by one,
Blake Saunders' shot-clock buzzer beating layup with 31 seconds left gave the Seawolves a 63-62 lead. Cal State L.A. had a chance to tie, but Vincent Camper's kick out was stolen by
Ben Washington with four seconds left. Washington was fouled, then drilled both free throws to seal the victory.
The Seawolves were led by 16 points from Saunders and Cornett. Cornett also posted ten rebounds and a team-high four assists.
Andrew Kochevar was the third Seawolf in double digits with 15 points.
Demetrius Hazel led the Golden Eagles with 16 points. Junior Rodriguez had 12 points and Christopher Mark went for seven points and seven rebounds.
The Seawolves return to action tomorrow night when they host Cal State Dominguez Hills.
Box Score