Coyotes repeat at CCAA Tournament champions

The Cal State San Bernardino Coyotes won the rubber match between neighborhood rivals, beating Cal Poly Pomona 58-52 in the CCAA Tournament final at Humboldt State. Both teams looked like teams playing three games in as many nights. Throw in a brutal travel schedule and it isn't surprising both teams were not at their best.

The game was Cal Poly's for the taking. The Broncos were up 52-46 with3:26 left. Tournament MVP Bryan Le Duc made two free throws, then came a Cal Poly turnover, then a 3-pointer by Aaron Hill. now it's 52-51.

Then another turnover (Kind of sounds like the last minute of the SBVC game) . The Coyotes miss a free throw but Devon Davis gets the putback and its 53-52 Coyotes. LeDuc hit a 3-pointer late to put it away.

Now they will wait to see where theyt are going for the regional and what the pairings will be. Knowing both coaches, I have to think they would rather not play each other for a fourth time. Typically teams in the same conference would rather play someone else first.

Sounds like the folks at Humboldt State did a great job hosting the event, That is not surprising. But the attendance for the men's final was just 290. Really! The fans at Humboldt are the first to pound their chest and talk about what great fans they are. Yes they sell out at home, What else is there to do in Arcata?  But it's a little surprising more didn't turn out for the final game - even if it were to boo public enemny No. 1 and public enemy No. 2.

Attendance for the women's game, which preceded the men's and did include the host school, was about 900. So no one stuck around.

Hopefully both teams can overcome the rigorous schedule and put in good showings at the West Regional. Pairings are usually announced on Sunday but are being delayed because some Pac West teams have makeup games on Monday night. That is a result of games being postponned because of the threat of a Tsunami a week ago.