Cal State Fullerton Holds Off UC Riverside 78-72

Cal State Fullerton took care of business at Titan Gym, defeating UC Riverside 78-72 in a non-conference matchup. The Titans' victory was fueled by a strong performance from Joshua Ward, who tallied 18 points and 9 rebounds. Ward's effort was complemented by a balanced attack, as Jefferson De La Cruz Monegro and Kendrick De Luna each chipped in 11 points.

The game got off to a back-and-forth start, with UC Riverside taking a slim 37-38 lead into halftime. However, Cal State Fullerton came out strong in the second half, outscoring the Highlanders 40-35 to secure the win. Andrew Henderson led the charge for UC Riverside, posting 19 points and 9 rebounds, while Marqui Worthy Jr. added 18 points and 8 rebounds. Despite their best efforts, the Highlanders were unable to overcome the Titans' depth and balanced scoring.

CHD Scout had predicted a Cal State Fullerton victory by 8.9 points, and while the actual margin was slightly narrower, the prediction ultimately proved correct. The Titans' win was a reflection of their resilience and ability to close out games against lesser opponents.

As the season enters its final stretch, games like this one take on added importance for tournament hopefuls. For Cal State Fullerton, this win represents a Quadrant 4 victory, which may not significantly boost their resume but helps to avoid a damaging loss. The Titans' current net ranking of 196 suggests they still have work to do to become a serious tournament contender.

On the other side, UC Riverside's loss drops them to 8-16 on the season, with a net ranking of 279. This game was classified as a Quadrant 3 opportunity for the Highlanders, and while they ultimately came up short, their performance was encouraging. Andrew Henderson's strong outing was a particular bright spot, and he will be a player to watch as UC Riverside looks to build momentum late.

In terms of tournament implications, Cal State Fullerton's win keeps them on the periphery of the conversation, but they must string together several more victories to become a serious bubble team. For now, the Titans will focus on building on this win and trying to climb the rankings. With a record of 11-13, they still have a long way to go, but victories like this one will help to bolster their confidence and resume as the season enters its final weeks.