Cal State Fullerton's Joshua Ward stole the show at Titan Gym, leading his team to a 71-61 win over Long Beach State. Ward's impressive performance, which included 21 points and 9 rebounds, was the difference-maker in a game that saw the Titans dominate from start to finish. The win marked a strong outing for Cal State Fullerton, who improved to 9-12 on the season.
The Titans set the tone early, taking a 37-29 lead into halftime. Ward was unstoppable in the first half, scoring 12 points and grabbing 5 rebounds to pace his team. Long Beach State's Gavin Sykes kept his team within striking distance, scoring 10 points in the first half, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Titans' balanced attack. Jefferson De La Cruz Monegro and Jaden Henderson chipped in with key contributions, scoring 16 and 10 points, respectively, to help the Titans build their lead.
In the second half, Cal State Fullerton continued to pull away, extending their lead to as many as 15 points. Sykes did his best to keep Long Beach State in the game, finishing with 20 points, but the Titans' defense was too strong. Rob Diaz III added 15 points and 5 rebounds for the 49ers, but it wasn't enough to overcome the deficit. The Titans' victory was a reflection of their strength at home, where they have been tough to beat all season.
CHD Scout Report Card
CORRECTPredicted
Final
CHD Scout's pre-game prediction had Cal State Fullerton winning by 5 points, and while the margin was slightly larger than expected, the outcome was spot on. The Titans' 10-point victory was a decisive win, and one that will surely boost their confidence as they move forward.
The win has real consequences for Cal State Fullerton's resume, as it counts as a Quadrant 4 victory. While not the most impressive win, it's a step in the right direction for a team looking to build momentum. For Long Beach State, the loss is a Quadrant 3 defeat, which won't hurt their resume too badly, but it's still a missed opportunity for a team that needs to string together some wins.
As the season heats up, Cal State Fullerton want to build on this performance and make a push for a stronger finish. With Ward leading the charge, the Titans have the potential to make some noise in their conference. For now, they'll take the win and the confidence that comes with it, as they continue to work towards a stronger resume. The Titans' victory over Long Beach State is a crucial step in the right direction, and one that will surely have an impact on their tournament chances as the season wears on.