Women’s Team Wins 68-50
For the first time in school history, Cal State Dominguez Hills women’s basketball team is heading to the NCAA Division II National Championship after a commanding 68-50 victory Over the Union University Bulldogs (TN). The Toros are also the first California team to play in the title game since 2015 when Cal Baptist made the final and look to become the first California team to win since Cal Poly Pomona in 2002.
From the opening tip, the Toros controlled the pace and set the tone inside. Asia Jordan and Nala Williams found success early, attacking the paint and scoring under the basket. Their defensive pressure caused Union problems from the start, forcing turnovers and limiting their opportunities in transition. Despite Union’s fast-paced style and full lineup rotations, Dominguez Hills adjusted to the matchups and dictated the tempo.
After leading 12-4 in paint points at the end of the first quarter, the Toros continued to work inside while forcing Union to rely on outside shooting. Cristina Jones and Teagan Thurman contributed key baskets in the second quarter, helping Dominguez Hills build a double-digit lead. Defensively, the Toros locked in, holding Union to just 11 points in the quarter to take a comfortable lead into halftime.
Coming out of the break, Dominguez Hills opened the second half on a 12-2 run, extending their lead and silencing any hopes of a Union comeback. Jordan continued to dominate on both ends, finishing the night just four assists shy of a triple-double. The Toros capitalized on their transition game, outscoring Union 20-8 in fast-break points while maintaining their defensive pressure to disrupt Union’s rhythm.
Four Toros finished in double figures, with Jordan, Williams, Thurman, and Jones combining for 66 of the team’s 68 total points. The defensive effort was relentless, as the Toros collected 11 steals and held Union, a team known for its high-tempo offense, to just 50 points. Their dominance in the paint was key, outscoring Union 44-22 inside.
Toros Stat Leaders
- Nala Williams – 21 PTS, 5 AST, 3 STL
- Asia Jordan – 19 PTS, 12 REB, 6 AST
- Cristina Jones – 12 PTS, 6-6 FG, 3 REB
- Teagan Thurman – 14 PTS, 5 REB, 3 STL
With a 36-1 record, the Toros now stand one win away from making history. They will compete for the national championship on Friday at 4 p.m. PDT, aiming to cap off their record-breaking season with the program’s first-ever national title.
Men’s Team Scores Big!
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.
