NORTH LAS VEGAS, Nev. (March 2, 2026) — In a night that celebrated five members of its sophomore class, the College of Southern Nevada men's basketball team came up just short in its regular-season finale, falling 90–89 to the Ball Dawgs All-Stars at the Coyote Event Center.
The contest was not part of ACCAC play and moves CSN to 15-15 overall heading into postseason competition.
Prior to tipoff, the Coyotes honored sophomores Demarion Yap, Maximus Romero, Christian Ware, Ryan Raad, and Drake Watanabe for their contributions to the program. All five were central figures throughout Monday night's tightly contested battle.
The game featured nine ties and eight lead changes across 40 minutes, with neither side able to gain sustained separation. The first half ended deadlocked at 42–42 as both teams traded momentum runs.
CSN shot an impressive 54.5 percent from the field in the opening 20 minutes (18-of-33), using efficient interior scoring and timely perimeter shooting to keep pace. Romero led the early charge with 12 first-half points, while Ware provided energy in the paint and on the glass. Yap added six points and three assists before halftime, helping facilitate offensive rhythm.
The Ball Dawgs countered behind Marvin Coleman, who scored 16 first-half points, including four three-pointers. Despite forcing nine turnovers in the half, CSN could not create significant separation as both teams exchanged baskets late to head into the break even.
The second half carried that same intensity.
Ware opened the period with a dunk to give CSN a brief lead, and the Coyotes maintained composure through several Ball Dawgs pushes. Midway through the half, a three-pointer by Yap tied the game at 49–49, and moments later Ware connected from beyond the arc to shift momentum back toward the home side.
With 6:53 remaining, Watanabe buried a three-pointer to extend the Coyotes' advantage to five. A triple from Myron Hubbard with just under four minutes to play put CSN ahead 82–80, positioning the Coyotes for a strong finish.
The Ball Dawgs responded late.
Jaylen Berry's layup and Danny McAdory's jumper helped the visitors regain the lead in the closing minutes. With under a minute remaining, Berry converted in transition to give the Ball Dawgs an 89–86 edge.
Yap answered immediately, calmly stepping into a three-pointer with 32 seconds remaining to tie the contest at 89–89 and electrify the Coyote Event Center.
On the ensuing possession, Coleman drew a foul and converted one of two free throws with 22 seconds left, giving the visitors a one-point lead. CSN called timeout to set up its final look, but a contested jumper in the closing seconds would not fall as the Ball Dawgs secured the 90–89 victory.
Romero and Ware each finished with 19 points to lead the Coyotes. Romero added six assists, while Ware recorded a double-double with 13 rebounds to complement his scoring effort.
Yap contributed 18 points, including four second-half three-pointers, along with four assists and eight rebounds. Watanabe added 13 points, and Hubbard chipped in nine points and 10 rebounds.
As a team, CSN shot 48.4 percent from the field and 36.1 percent from three-point range (13-of-36). The Coyotes also held a 49-40 rebounding advantage and assisted on 21 of their 31 made field goals.
Despite the narrow defeat, the evening was defined as much by recognition as competition. The sophomore class has played a pivotal role in the Coyotes' journey through a demanding season, and Monday's performance reflected the resilience and competitiveness that have characterized the group.
CSN now turns its attention to postseason play. The Coyotes will travel to Yuma, Ariz., on Thursday to face the No. 1-seeded Arizona Western College Matadors in the Region 1 semifinals. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. MST.
For postseason updates and complete coverage, visit www.csncoyotes.com
