The Broncos did it again with their trademark zone defense. They pulled out to an early lead with Cal State unable to penetrate the zone and having to settle from lower percentage perimeter shots.

The Broncos led by as many 21 at 45-24 five minutes into the second half, only to have the Coyotes got on a 12-0 run and cut it to 45-36 with 10:36. Then came the key. The Coyotes came up empty on their next four possessions.

They were within eight with 4:05 left 51-43 and got within four at 65-61 with 18 seconds but it was too little too late.

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Credit Coyotes assistant coach Robert Tossetti with managing the team late when head coach Jeff Oliver was kicked out after drawing a second technical a minute into the second half. It has been Paul Trevor serving as Oliver’s right-hand man for seven years but he is now heading the San Francisco State program.

Tossetti and Anthony Jones are both relative newbies on the Coyotes staff and Tossetti has not headed a college team before. But he did a solid job directing the charge.

But the Broncos are back!