Senior Forward Adam Afifi delivered a dominant performance to lead the Cal State Dominguez Hills men’s basketball team to 61-58 victory over Point Loma in the NCAA West Regional Final. With 23 points, 13 rebounds, three blocks, and three steals, Afifi was the driving force behind the Toros reaching the NCAA Elite Eight for the first time in program history.
The skill and effort that Afifi displayed earned him West Regional Tournament MVP honors.
The defensive effort was key for CSUDH, forcing 20 turnovers and controlling the boards with 38 rebounds. Though they struggled from three-point range (2-for-17), they capitalized at the free-throw line, shooting 75 percent (21-for-28).
After the game, Afifi credited his teammates for their preparation.
“We got players on the team that could start on a lot of division two teams in the country and they’re over here sacrificing making us better everyday on scout team,” Afifi said. “We really owe it to them, our scout team is probably one of the best scout teams in the country as they prepare us for every single game.”
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Jeremy Dent-Smith and David Cheatom were named to the West Regional All-Tournament team. Both players scored in the double digits in every NCAA Tournament game this season.
Toros Head Coach Steve Becker also elaborated on what allowed his team to come out victorious in the hard-fought battle after the contest.
“We’ve been in so many of these tight situations together,” Becker said. “All the guys that have been a focal point to this team can fight comfortably when the gyms loud like it was tonight”.
With this victory, CSUDH adds an NCAA West Regional title to their CCAA regular season and tournament championships. The Toros now head to Evansville, Indiana, to face No. 2 seed West Liberty, continuing their chase for a national championship.
