FULLERTON, Calif. – Michael Williams' three-point bucket on the wing with 32 seconds on the clock helped secure Cal State Fullerton's 74-72 victory over UC Santa Barbara on Saturday night at Titan Gym.
The Titans (7-12, 2-3 Big West) led 60-51 with 6:57 to play, but the Gauchos (12-6, 3-2 Big West) chipped away using a 14-5 run that tied the game at 65-65 as UCSB's Michael Bryson drained a three-pointer with 3:53 remaining.
Josh Gentry immediately answered for Cal State Fullerton, cutting through the paint, picking up the foul and converting the three-point play as the Titans led 68-65 with 3:25left.
UCSB's Alan Williams, who scored a game-high 26 points, then scored five consecutive points for the Gauchos on two buckets and a plus-one as UCSB took its first lead of the game, 70-68, at the 2:20 mark.
Michael Williams then buried the three-pointer to put the Titans ahead for good, and Fullerton hit three of its next four free-throw attempts as UCSB missed its next two field goal tries.
Alex Harris led the Titans with a career-high tying 22 points, knocking down a season-best four three-pointers.
Williams added 19 points, matching a career high with four three-pointers, and dishing a career-best eight assists. Marquis Horne poured in 13 points and Josh Gentry added 10 points off the bench.
Fullerton shot 50.0 percent (27-of-54) from the floor, and knocked down nine three-pointers, matching a season high. Fullerton's 19 assists also set a season high.
Alan Williams finished the game with 26 points and nine rebounds, while Bryson added 16 points. Kyle Boswell chipped in 11 points off the bench for the Gauchos.
Cal State Fullerton led 30-21 at halftime as Williams knocked down three three-pointers in the first 20 points en route to a 14-point effort.
The Titans shot 42.3 percent from the floor in the first half and held UCSB to a .304 clip as the Gauchos connected on just one of their seven attempts from long distance.
The Titans return to action on Saturday, traveling to Long Beach State for a 4 p.m. tip that will be broadcast on ESPN3.
Notes: Cal State Fullerton snapped a three-game losing streak…in eight previous tries, the Titans won their first televised game…Michael Williams scored in double figures with 19 points for the 19th consecutive game…Alex Harris' 22 points matched a career best and set a new season high….Harris' four three-pointers also set a season high…Cal State Fullerton is now 5-0 when shooting 50.0 percent or more…Fullerton's 19 assists set a season high.