Summarize
Cal State University Dominguez Hills|Website
94
Cal St. Dom. Hills 30-5,20-2 CCAA
83
DBU 34-5,19-3 Lone Star
| Team | 1 | 2 | OT 1 | F |
| Cal St. Dom. Hills | 34 | 42 | 18 | 94 |
| DBU | 41 | 35 | 7 | 83 |
Next Game:
vs. Nova Southeastern
3/29/2025 | 12 PM
EVANSVILLE, Ind.– For the first time in program history, Cal State Dominguez Hills men’s basketball is heading to the NCAA Division II National Championship after a thrilling comeback victory over No. 3 seed Dallas Baptist. The Toros erased a 19-point deficit and sealed the win in dramatic fashion, with senior Alex Garcia knocking down the game-tying three-pointer with two seconds left to force overtime.
Dallas Baptist came out firing, controlling the tempo early and jumping out to a commanding lead in the first half. The Toros struggled to find their rhythm offensively, while DBU capitalized on second-chance points and transition opportunities to build a 19-point advantage. However, Dominguez Hills never wavered, slowly chipping away at the deficit as the defense began to lock in.
Trailing by double digits late in the second half, the Toros ramped up their defensive intensity and began to claw back. David Cheatom and Jeremy Dent-Smith provided key baskets down the stretch, while Garcia’s leadership kept the team poised. With just seconds remaining and the season on the line, Garcia delivered the biggest shot of the night, drilling a deep three to tie the game and force overtime.
In the extra period, the momentum fully shifted in favor of the Toros. The defense held DBU to minimal opportunities, while the offense continued to execute in key moments. When the final buzzer sounded, Dominguez Hills had completed the improbable comeback, earning their first trip to the national championship game. The Toros 94 points against DBU is the most points they have gave up since November 2nd against Saint Mary’s in a lost 85-94.
The Toros are the first team in CCAA history to have both the men’s and women’s programs win six titles this year, including two regular-season championships and two CCAA tournament titles, and two West Regional titles. They also join Minnesota State to have both men’s and women’s basketball teams in the division two national championship games last year in 2023-24.
Stat Leaders
- Jeremy Dent-Smith: 33 points (11-of-17 shooting, 4 three-pointers, 7 free throws), 7 rebounds, 2 assists
- Jordan Hilstock: 15 points (2 three-pointers, 9-for-9 free throws), 7 rebounds, 5 assists
- Adam Afifi: 15 points (7-of-14 shooting), 2 blocks
- Alex Garcia: 9 points (4-for-4 shooting)
- David Cheatom: 8 points, 5 rebounds
- DJ Guest: 7 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists
- JT Tan: 5 points
With the win, the Toros become the first California team to reach the title game since 2010 when Cal Poly Pomona won the championship. The Toros also are the first team in CCAA history to have both the men’s and women’s programs win six titles this year, including two regular-season championships and two CCAA tournament titles, and two West Regional titles. They also join Minnesota State to have both men’s and women’s basketball teams in the division two national championship games last year in 2023-24.
The Toros, now one win away from a national title, will face their final challenge on Saturday, March 29, at 12 p.m. PDT.
