The Cal State San Bernardino men’s basketball team upset No. 15 Cal State Dominguez Hills 59-49 on Saturday at the Toro Dome.

The Coyotes (2-2, 1-1) had played horrific basketball the first three games and were lucky to be 1-2. Team chemistry seemed to be an issue. Too many turnovers too. Missed free throws. You name it.

They had lost a night earlier to Cal State Los Angeles, marking the first time in Coach Jeff Oliver’s tenure the Coyotes lost to the Golden Eagles.

Well the Coyotes pulled one off. It was hardly good basketball on either side but Dominguez was slightly worse. The teams combined for 45 turnovers – 23 for the Toros and 22 for the Coyotes.

Cal State shot 36.5 percent while Dominguez shot 30 percent. But this is what did it. The Coyotes led 28-25 at the half, only because Corey Caston banked one in from half court at the buzzer.

Then the Toros missed 19 of their first 20 shots in the second half. Many were chippies right underneath the basket too. The Coyotes pulled out to a 17-point lead, then started turning the ball over and had to hold on for dear life.

Theron Laudermill turned in a solid effort with 17 points, seven rebounds and two blocks despite spending much of the night in the paint squaring off against Toros 7-footer Amir Aguilar,

Oliver was quick to point out that Dominguez (6-1, 2-1)  likely had a hangover from a tough game against Cal Poly Pomona the previous night. While his team did not play well, it did play hard. It outworked and outhustled the more talented Toros and that was the difference between a win and a loss.

So it looks like there is hope for this team.