Barry’s return ruined in Overtime

By Nick Pellegrino
Updated: January 22, 2023

CSUDH's Cam Barry / Vanilla Gorilla Photography on Facebook

2022-23 EAST COUNTY ALUMNI / COLEGE MEN’S BASKETBALL

By Nick Pellegrino
ECS Senior writer

CSUDH’s Cam Barry PHOTOS

SAN MARCOS — When the San Diego Chargers moved to Los Angeles, how much of a home-field advantage at SoFi Stadium?

Frankly, when an AFC West Division opponent arrives, the crowd is filled with jerseys of Chiefs red, Broncos orange, or the Silcer & Black of the Raiders.

So how did CSU San Marcos feel when more than half of those in attendance were cheering for visiting Cal State-Dominguez Hills?

In Saturday’s (Jan. 21) matinee men’s basketball, San Marcos hosted the Toros in a California Collegiate Athletic Association basketball game. Since San Marcos elevated to NCAA Dibision II classification, its closest rival has been Dominguez Hills, with the series tied at 5-all, including a recent double-overtime affair won by the Toros,107-105.

The reason for cheers was CSUDM was the only San Diego County appearance by Toros guard Cam Barry,the 2016-17 East County Player of the Year.

“There had to be at least 100 family and friends at the game rooting for Cam,” said Tim Barry, his father and head coach when his son attended West Hills High. “My college teammate, Jason Foggianoo was even in town on a business trip and sat with us for the entire game.”

“The support was amazing. Cam and our family are so appreciative to everybody.”

Like the Barry family, Foggiano was coached by his father — Frank Foggiano, who retired three years ago — in high school at Grossmont.

Despite the split allegiance of the largest crowd of the season. the host Coyotes gained a dramatic overtime victory, 85-78, at the CSUSM Sports Center.

“To see your son playing at the next levelis such a special experience,” said Tim Barry, a Santana product who payed with Jason Foggiano at Grossmont College.”

Barry now a junior, finished second on the Toros with 12 points, but 17 team turnovers allowed San Marocs (10-7 overall, 9-3 CCAA) to remain in the race of the conference championship.

Dominguez Hills fell to 8-10 (4-8 CCAA).

To close regulation,Quinn Denker scored 10 consecutive points for CSUSM to give the Cougars a 62-56 lead with five minutes remaining in the game.

However, back-to-back 3-pointers by CSUDH’s Andre Ball and Barry evened the game at 62-all with 3:25 left.

With 18 seconds lto go, the Toros’ D.J. Guest converted 1-of-2 foul shots to force the extra session. However, the Coyotes opened the overtime by going 4-for-4 rom the floor, including as 3-pointer, to seize the triumph.

Guest led the Toros with 19 points.

San Marcos received team highs of 19 points and 12 ewebounds from Joel Mensah. Also scoring in double figures were Greg Milton III (16 points) and Jayce McCain (15).

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