The SF State men’s basketball team lost traction in the second half against Cal State San Bernardino, being defeated 68-49 after maintaining a lead through most of the first half and remaining within 10 points during a large portion of the second half.

SF State (11-7, 6-5 CCAA) lost their lead, 29-28, at half time, headed by freshman point guard Robert Hayes with nine points, Martín Flores’ seven points and four from Chris Rodriguez and Will Logan. Cal State San Bernardino (16-3, 9-2 CCAA) came into the intense match-up zone, traps and lots of pressure kept the Gators to two dozen shot attempts.

A lead, even a single-digit lead would have helped the Gators by forcing Cal State San Bernardino to play catch-up in the second half, head coach Bill Treseler said, but they’re a great defensive team and the only team in the conference to play match-up zone defense – forcing their opponents’ turnovers into points. The Coyotes had 16 points off of turnovers.

“We were aggressive. We made some big shots and it felt like we should’ve had a bigger lead at half,” junior guard Alex Thomas said.

The Gators out-rebounded the Coyotes 18-14 in the first half but fell behind 21-13 in the second. Rodriguez walked away with five rebounds while Darryl Robinson and Flores had four each. Cal State San Bernardino is currently seated at the top of the CCAA conference and has won the conference seven out of the last eight years. The Coyotes are ranked 11 by the National Collegiate Athletic Association in Division II basketball nationally.

“We had them on their heels for sure,” Flores said. “We had them up against the ropes the first half.”

Although the Gators outshot Cal State San Bernardino from behind the arc and the free throw line during the first half the Coyotes were 12-24 from the field while the Gators were 7-24. SF State was 10 percent behind in field goals and three point percentage overall, but had a 12 percent lead from behind the free throw line.

"They’re extremely successful defensively,” Cal State San Bernardino coach Jeff Oliver said. “Their effort has always been there but now they’re doing the little things better.”

Derek Fletcher was shooting a perfect 4-4 from the free throw line with Darryl Robinson’s 2-2 following close behind. Flores was 5-6 from the line helping him to be lead scorer with 11 points. Freshman point guard Robert Hayes had 10 points, three steals and three rebounds while Rodriguez had nine points, five rebounds and two assists.

“They took us out of our offense by adding so much full court pressure,” Thomas said, “We didn’t stay as composed as we usually are.”

Their oppressive defense kept the Gators at bay, not allowing three-point shot opportunities and even less scoring chances inside the key.

“What they did to us is what we’re trying to do to other teams,” Flores said. “Plus they have a really, really aggressive defense that’s half zone and half man. They’re just a really smart defensive team.”

The Gators fell to the Coyotes earlier this season 69-54.

Cal Poly Pomona visits the Swamp tomorrow looking for redemption after losing the first match up this season 60-59. Tip-off is at 7:30 p.m.