On Feb. 18 CSUSM Cougars hosted the Pioneers of Cal State East Bay. The Cougars clawed their way to a victory after 11 lead changes, by a score of 70-63. Filled with emotion from the beginning, the night started off with the Cougars honoring their seniors Dayton Boddie, Tyson Kygar, Novian Cherry, Jordan Jefferson and Devin Koeplin.  

“San Marcos has been like my second home, and it means a lot to me to represent this school and to have my family and friends be able to watch me really means a lot” said guard Tyson Kygar.  

The Cougars with the win earned their fifth straight victory, and improved their overall record to 18-8 and 12-6 in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA)  conference.

Both teams came out fast, notching up the score at 27-27.  The Cougars were able to close the half out on a 12-2 run with Josh Spier’s three pointer at the end of the first half.

To start the second half the Pioneers continued to chip away at the Cougar’s lead.  A 9-0 run by CSUEB put the Pioneers up 48-47, their first lead of the second half.  With 2:41 left in the game guard Brian Wright hit two huge free throws to even up the score 58-58.   With the momentum from the tie, the Cougars pulled away on a 12-5 run, defeating the Pioneers 70-63.

Guard Ethan Alvano led the cougars with 27 points while also dishing out 4 assists. Forward Joe Boyd added an additional 12 points, and also led the Cougars with 7 rebounds.

“I just thought about all the people who got me here and helped get me here, I’ve had a lot of good times and good memories at San Marcos.  I’m just going to miss basketball a lot and I’m just focusing in on the future after this season ends” said Senior Guard Devin Koeplin.  “This program represents a goal achieved for me i’ve always wanted to play college basketball and I finally made it so it’s just a culmination of all the hardwork” added Koeplin.

The Cougars only have two more games remaining on the schedule both are away.  Their first game is Thursday, Feb. 23 at Cal State Dominguez Hills; tip off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. The Cougars end their season with an away bout Saturday, Feb. 25 at Cal State L.A. at 7:30 p.m.