This past weekend proved to be a disappointing one for UCSD men’s basketball. The Tritons dropped two at home in RIMAC Arena, first on Jan. 17 against three-time defending California Collegiate Athletic Association champions CSU San Bernardino, and then on Jan. 18 when Cal Poly Pomona came to town.
Guardian
The Coyotes came into the Jan. 17 game on a seven-game win streak, which the Tritons were unable to halt. However, UCSD started the game strong and got on the scoreboard first. They also had the lead as late as 6:46 left in the first half. As the game progressed, CSUSB began to dominate, and the game ended 73-44 with six Coyote players scoring in the double digits.
Junior guard Cameron Jackson led the Tritons in scoring with seven points, including one three-pointer. He also contributed with five rebounds.
CSUSB was able to successfully shut down UCSD’s Sean Crawford by guarding him close and taking away his three-point shot.
Guardian
The Tritons then came out Jan. 18 and lost to Cal Poly Pomona 88-62, however, individually UCSD improved from the previous night. Crawford scored a game-high 19 points. He shot eight of 17 field goals and scored three times from behind the arc.
“”Its good to score, but when we’re winning, it’s a different feeling walking into the locker room. I can score the game-high, but I still walk into the locker room upset with the rest of the guys. It’s the win that matters,”” Crawford said on his strong individual performance on Jan. 18.
Another Triton with a strong individual performance was sophomore Jordan Watkins, who scored 15 points. Freshman forward Adam Snyder also proved to be an all-around asset to the team, providing seven points, seven rebounds and three blocks.
The Tritons went into the locker room with a 21-point deficit at halftime against Cal Poly Pomona. They improved in the second half when Pomona only outscored UCSD 47-42.
The Tritons were only 28.6 percent shooting in the first half, and improved to 45.2 percent in the second half, making them 37.3 percent on the game.
“”We just need to make our easy shots and then concentrate on defense,”” Crawford said.
This week, the team will be regrouping and preparing for another two home games next week, when they will attempt to end their two-game losing streak. On Jan. 24, Chico State University will be in town, followed by UC Davis on Jan. 25.
