UC Irvine at Cal State Fullerton
Fullerton, Calif. | Titan Gym
Thursday, January 16, 2014 | 7:00 p.m.
Game Coverage: Live Stats | Video | Audio | UC Irvine Notes
UC Davis at Cal State Fullerton
Fullerton, Calif. | Titan Gym
Saturday, January 18, 2014 | 6:00 p.m.
Game Coverage: Live Stats | Video | Audio | UC Davis Notes
Cal State Fullerton Game Notes (PDF)
Tip-Off
After opening up Big West conference play with a win last week at UC Riverside, the Cal State Fullerton women's basketball (5-9 overall, 1-0 Big West) team returns home to face Big West foes UC Irvine and UC Davis. The Titans and Anteaters will face off on Thursday, Jan. 16 at 7 p.m. at Titan Gym, while UC Davis and Fullerton is set to tip at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18.
Watch it Live
There will be a live video feed available for both of Cal State Fullerton's games this week. To access video for the game visit www.fullertontitans.com, click the women's basketball schedule page then click the "video" link to watch through BigWest.TV.
Listen Live
There will be live audio streaming available for both of Cal State Fullerton's games. To access audio for the game visit www.fullertontitans.com, click the women's basketball schedule page then click the "audio" link.
Live Stats
There will be live stats available for both of Cal State Fullerton's games this week. To access live stats for the game visit www.fullertontitans.com, click the women's basketball schedule page then click the "live stats" link.
Follow the Titans!
Fans can keep up with the latest in Titans athletics by following us on Facebook (Facebook.com/CSUF.Athletics), Twitter (@FullertonTitans) and YouTube.com (YouTube.com/csfathletics). In addition, the women's basketball team has established its own official Facebook (Facebook.com/WBBTitans) and Twitter pages (@WBBTitans).
A Look at the Series...
Cal State Fullerton (5-9) at UC Irvine (8-8)
Overall Record... 33-34
Home Record... 18-12
Away Record... 12-20
Neutral Site Record... 3-2
Big West Record... 25-31
Longest Win Streak... 9 games
Longest Losing Streak... 14 games
Current Streak... Loss 1
Record in Last 10 Meetings... 5-5
Last Meeting...Feb. 16, 2013 at Irvine, Calif. (L, 43-39)
Series Game-by-Game (Last five meetings)
02.16.13 Irvine, Calif. L 43-39
01.17.13 Fullerton, Calif. W 65-51
02.25.12 Fullerton, Calif. W 58-44
01.18.12 Irvine, Calif. L 73-68
02.03.11 Irvine, Calif. L 81-77
Series Note: Thursday marks the 68th meeting all-time meeting between the two schools... Fullerton split the season series with UC Irvine last season...The Titans have won the last two of three meetings, but dropped the prior three contests...the Titans are 25-31 against the Anteaters in Big West Conference play...Fullerton's largest margin of victory was a 76-49 (27 pts) win Jan. 3, 2009 at Fullerton...Fullerton's largest margin of defeat was a 84-46 loss in Titan Gym on Jan. 27, 2001.
Cal State Fullerton (5-9) at UC Davis (6-9)
Overall Record... 9-9
Home Record... 3-6
Away Record... 6-3
Big West Record... 5-7
Longest Win Streak... 3 games
Longest Losing Streak... 2 games
Current Streak... Won 1
Record in Last 10 Meetings... 5-5
Last Meeting...Feb. 23, 2013 at Davis, Calif. (W, 60-42)
Series Game-by-Game (Last five meetings)
02.23.13 Davis, Calif. W 60-42
01.24.13 Fullerton, Calif. L 88-44
02.01.12 Fullerton, Calif. L 57-55
12.31.11 Davis, Calif. W 58-50
03.05.11 Fullerton, Calif. L 73-58
Series Note: Saturday marks the 19th meeting all-time meeting between the two schools... Fullerton split the season series with UC Davis last season with the road team winning each time...The Titans have loss the last two of three meetings, but won the last meeting..the Titans are 5-7 against the Aggies in Big West Conference play...Fullerton's largest margin of victory was a 60-42 (18 pts) win Feb. 23, 2013 at Davis...Fullerton's largest margin of defeat was a 88-44 loss in Fullerton, Calif., on Jan. 24, 2013...The Titans have loss their last three games against the Aggies at Titan Gym.
Scouting the Anteaters
UC Irvine enters the contest with a 8-8 overall record (1-1 Big West) and was picked to finish eighth in the conference, according to the Big West's preseason media poll.The Anteaters come into Thursday's game after beating UC Riverside, 90-78, last weekend.
The Anteaters boast two players averaging double-figures in points Jennifer Tsurumoto (15.7 ppg) and former Big West Player of the Week Camille Buckley who is averaging 14.9 points per game and 8.7 rebounds per game. Methlyn Onogomuho has chipped in this season with 7.8 ppg and 6.6 rpg.
Irvine averages 72.4 points per game, while it surrenders 71.4 per contest. The Anteaters are shooting 38 percent from the field and 33 percent from behind the arc.
Assessing the Aggies
UC Davis (6-9, 1-1 Big West) comes into this weekends matchup winning two of its last three games. To open up conference play last week the Aggies loss to Cal State Northridge, 56-52, but defeated Long Beach State 63-60 on Saturday, Jan. 11.
The Aggies are led by junior forward Sydnee Fipps, as she ranks fourth in the conference in scoring, averaging 17.3 points per game. She also leads the team in rebounding, pulling down 6.5 boards per contest. Kelsey Harris also helps the Aggies out as she averages 11.7 points per contest.
UC Davis averages 65.9 points per game, while they give up 69.3...UC Davis leads the league in three-pointers made and free throw percentage...the Aggies were picked to finish sixth in the Big West's preseason conference poll.
Conference Call
The Titans are 195-296 (.396) all-time against Big West Conference foes. Fullerton was 7-14 last season against league foes and won two games in the conference tournament before losing to Pacific in the semifinals.
Autograph Night
The Titans invite all fans after the UC Irvine game on Thursday to come join the team for autographs in the gym.
Annual Pink Game Set
The Titans will play their annual pink game against Cal State Northridge on Saturday, Feb. 8 at Titan Gym at 6 pm. Fullerton is teaming up with the Play 4 Kay Foundation to help raise money for breast cancer research. To donate on behalf of the Titans go to http://www.play4kay.org/wbbtitans
Last Time Out for the Titans
Cal State Fullerton knocked down nine three-pointers as a team and junior guard Tailer Butler poured in a season-high 19 points off the bench as the Titans defeated UC Riverside, 82-78, in the conference opener Thursday night at SRC Arena.
Cal State Fullerton (5-9, 1-0 Big West) got a big performance from Butler who connected on 5-of-6 three pointers on the night. The Los Angeles, Calif., native recorded her first double digit scoring figure of the season and set a season high for three-pointers in a game for a Titan. Senior guard Alex Thomas and junior guard Chante Miles each chipped in 18 points for Fullerton in the win. Thomas also set a season-high in points and scored 13 of her points in the first half.
UC Riverside (4-10, 0-1 Big West) got sophomore guard Brittany Crain back after missing the last two games. The Moreno Valley, Calif., native scored 25 points on 9-of-14 shooting, while also grabbing five rebounds. Sophomore guard Annelise Ito scored 22 points and freshman guard Simone DeCoud added 17 points on 7-of-12 shooting for the Highlanders.
The Titans and Highlanders combined to record only two field goals in the first five minutes of the game, but Thomas found her rhythm and scored 11 quick points to put the Titans ahead 13-10 with 14 minutes remaining. Over the next three minutes the Titans extended their lead to six, 16-10, but the Highlanders answered back over the next seven minutes to tie the game at 23.
For the remainder of the first half the teams traded baskets, but Mile's free throw before the half put the Titans up by one, 35-34 heading into intermission. Thomas contributed 13 first half points, while Miles had seven points, and Butler chipped in six points off two three-pointers.
The Titans connected on 46 percent of their shots in the half which included four three pointers (4-for-9), while the Highlanders shot 53.8 percent and outscored Fullerton 18-12 in the paint.
Over the first four and a half minutes of the second half, Kathleen Iwuoha and Miles each added four points to help Fullerton go on a 13-4 run and extend their lead to ten, 48-38. The Highlanders came within four, 52-48, but again the Titans wouldn't let Riverside take the lead as Butler knocked down a three-pointer to put Fullerton ahead by nine with just over 11 minutes remaining.
Fullerton would extend its lead to as many as 14 points with 8:52 left to play in the second half and allowed Riverside to only come within three points, 79-76, with under a minute left. The Titans would hold off the Highlanders as Butler and Thomas both converted free throws with less than 14 seconds remaining, paving way to its seventh conference-opening win in the last eight seasons.
Where We Rank
After one conference play lets see where's the Titans rank amongst other Big West opponents overall Fullerton ranks first in the Big West Conference in scoring defense (65.5 ppg), third in defensive rebounding (37.8 rpg), third in defensive rebounding percentage (.655), fifth in three-pointers made per game (5.9) and fifth in assist-to-turnover ratio (0.87).
What's Trending
Fullerton has recorded two or more double-digit scorers in 13 of 14 games this season...the Titans bench has outscored the opponent's bench in seven contests this season...Fullerton has committed more turnovers than the opposition in seven of 14 games this season, but has not committed more than their opponents in the last five games...the Titans have used six different starting lineups this season...Fullerton has grabbed more offensive rebounds in the last four contests.
Butler's Career Night
Junior guard Tailer Butler scored a season high 19 points in an 82-78 win over UC Riverside on Jan. 9. Coming off the bench the Los Angeles, Calif.,, native knocked down five three-pointers and recorded three steals. Butler also reached the 300 career point total against the Highlanders.
Shooting Over 40 percent
The Titans are 3-1 when shooting better than 40 percent from the field and 4-0 when shooting better than 40 percent from behind the arc.
Season High in Scoring
The Titans scored 82 points against Riverside last week giving them a new season high as a team. The previous season high was set back on Nov. 22 when Fullerton poured in 80 points versus Columbia.
How We Rank in Big West Play
After one Big West game the Titans rank first for most three-pointers per game (9.0 pg), assists (18), and assist-to-turnover ratio (1.2). In the conference Fullerton is second in defensive rebounding (32.0 rpg), field goal percentage (.467), and scoring margin (+4.0).
Individuals in the Big West
After 14 games multiple Titans individually rank at the top of statistical categories for the Big West Conference. Junior Chante Miles is ninth in scoring (15.2 ppg), fourth in assists (4.2 apg), and first in minutes played (36.6 mpg). Kathleen Iwuoha is ranked third in field goal percentage (.523), fourth in rebounds (7.0 rpg), and sixth in offensive rebounds (2.85 pg). Forward Natalie Williams is ninth in blocked shots per game (0.8 bpg). Samantha Logan is ranked sixth in three-point field goal percentage (.379) and sixth in three-pointers made (1.57 pg), and 15th in rebounding (5.9 rpg). Senior Alex Thomas is ranked sixth in minutes (33.8 mpg).
Balanced Attack
Cal State Fullerton has had a relatively balanced attack this year with five players averaging between 15.2 and 6.8 points per game starting with Chante Miles (15.2 ppg), followed by Kathleen Iwuoha (10.6 ppg), while Alex Thomas chips in 9.3 ppg.
Cleaning Up
Junior forward Kathleen Iwuoha has led Fullerton in rebounding in its last seven contests and in nine of 14 games this season. Over the past seven games she has averaged over eight rebounds per game and this season she leads the team in overall rebounding (7.0 rpg).
550 Wins
After defeating New Mexico State 63-52 on Monday, Dec. 21 at Titan Gym, the Titans recorded their 550th win in program history.
Points in the Paint
The Titans have scored more points in the paint in the last four of six games. Fullerton was last outscored in the key by No. 24 Arizona State 30-16 on Dec. 14 at Titan Gym.
Climbing Up the Record Books
Junior forward Natalie Williams leads the Titans with 11 blocked shots this season and now ranks ninth all-time among career shot blockers. The Cerritos, Calif., native needs three blocks to tie Charlee Underwood who played from 2003-2007.
A Streak Meant For Snapping
After beginning the year 0-4 at home and losing their last five straight home contests dating back to last season, Fullerton has picked up three straight victories at home (Seattle, New Mexico State, Denver).
Career Milestones Approaching
Senior guard Brianna Barfield needs five points for 200 total points in her career. Senior guard Alex Thomas needs three rebounds to reach the 300 career mark.
Scoring Threat
Chante Miles has averaged 15.2 points per game, which leads all Titan players. Miles set a new career high after scoring 22 points against New Mexico State on Dec. 23. The Compton, Calif., native has had double-digit scoring figures in 13 of 14 games this season and has 33 total in her career. Last season the junior guard had 19 double-digit scoring games.
The Second Half, Times Two
Fullerton has scored 53.0 percent (397/749) of its total points this season in the second half. If one were to replace Fullerton's first half scoring with its second half scoring this season, the Titans would be averaging 61.0 points per game compared to its current 57.6 points per game clip. Fullerton is knocking more shots down in the second half, while also having less turnovers.
California Dreamin'
All 13 players on the roster call California home and all are natives of Southern California.
Flying Under the Radar
Samantha Logan is making her presence felt. She currently is second on the team in overall rebounding (5.9 rpg) and defensive rebounding (4.0 rpg). Her overall rebounding per game ranks 15th best in the Big West.
Finding the Right Mix
Cal State Fullerton has used six different starting lineups this season. Hailey King and Alex Thomas are the only Titans to have started in every game this season.
Miles Dishing Out Assists
After 13 games, junior guard Chante Miles is fourth in the Big West in assists. The Compton, Calif., native has 59 assists this season and set a new career high against Alabama after dishing out eight assists. Miles previous high was seven assists, which she recorded versus Hawai'i on Jan. 3, 2013.
Bench Production
The Titans' bench has produced 186 of Fullerton's 831 total points scored this season (22 percent)...the CSUF bench has been outscored by opposition's bench 86-223 this season...Cal State Fullerton's leading scorer, Chante Miles, has come off the bench one time this season.
Fullerton's Dynamic Duo
Chante Miles and Kathleen Iwuoha have combined to score 351 of Fullerton's 831 points this season (42%). Miles has 13 ten double-digit scoring games this season, including four 20-point performances. Iwuoha has eight games in double figures.
From the Charity Stripe
In the final moments of the game on Jan. 3 versus Denver, the Titans knocked down multiple clutch free throws and made 19 total (19-23) in the game. The 19 free throws ties a season high this season. (Arizona State, 12/14). Alex Thomas went a perfect 8-for-8 from the line in the win and set a new career high for free throws in a game. Thomas previously had converted a high of seven in three separate contests with the last time coming against Columbia on Nov. 22.
Double-Double
Samantha Logan recorded her first career double-double (14 points, 11 rebounds) on Nov. 29 versus Toledo and was the first Titan since Kathleen Iwuoha had 15 points and 13 rebounds against Pacific on March 15, 2013 to earn a double-double. However, the Corona, Calif., native came back the next day to record another double-double versus Alabama (19 points, 11 rebounds). Also, Logan was just one point shy of posting a double-double against Columbia on Nov. 22 (9 points, 10 rebounds). Fullerton had four double-doubles during the 2012-13 season.
Milestones Reached
After the 80-54 win versus Columbia (Nov. 22), senior Alex Thomas passed the 600 career total point mark in her career and junior Chante Miles passed the 500 career point milestone. Junior Kathleen Iwuoha recorded her 400th career point in a 59-58 loss to Toledo on Nov. 29. Tailer Butler reached the 300 point mark on Jan. 9 after scoring 19 points at UC Riverside.
Versus the Top 25
Iowa State was the first nationally ranked opponent for the Cal State Fullerton women's basketball program since the Titans played Gonzaga on Dec. 2, 2011 when the 24th ranked Gonzaga Bulldogs defeated Fullerton 73-60 at Titan Gym. Last season the Titans played three teams (Georgetown, Gonzaga, Pacific) that received votes in either the AP or USA Today Coaches Poll.
Fullerton has lost its last 14 consecutive games against teams either ranked or receiving votes in either poll dating back to a 68-65 win over Idaho (receiving votes in the Associated Press poll) on Jan. 24, 2004, in Moscow, Idaho... the Titans have lost their last 25 meetings with top 25 foes since posting a 75-63 victory over No. 24 (Associated Press) Long Beach State on Jan. 21, 1991. Overall, Fullerton is 11-95 against nationally ranked competition dating to the 1977 season... the Titans have not been listed among the top 25 since Feb. 4, 1991, breaking into the Associated Press poll at No. 24 that week.
Recycled Notes
Start of a New Era
Head Coach Daron Park begins his first stint as the head coach of Cal State Fullerton women's basketball. Park spent last season as the associate head coach at USC. Park enters his first season as a head coach and is the first male head coach in Cal State Fullerton women's basketball history. Park recorded his first win as the head coach of the Titans on Nov. 22 versus Columbia.
Breaking Down the Titans
Cal State Fullerton return all five starters and 11 letterwinners overall from last season's squad that finished 11-22 overall and 5-13 in the Big West Conference, good enough for eighth place. The Titans were the No. 8 seed in last year's conference tournament, falling to Pacific in the Big West Conference Semifinals, 54-51. The Titans have stability with the return of Chante Miles who returns as the team's leading scorer (10.5 ppg). All-Big West Conference Tournament team honoree Mya Olivier returns for her senior season as one the team's leading rebounder (5.3 rpg) and scorers (7.2 ppg) from a season ago. Twenty-eight game starter Kathleen Iwuoha also returns looking to build off a solid sophomore campaign where she averaged 5.7 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. Guard Alex Thomas will also provide an offensive threat after averaging 8.4 ppg last season.
Balanced Scoring
Fullerton had four players score in double figures at Columbia on Nov. 22, the first time that the Titans had more than two players score 10 or more points. Junior Chante Miles upped her career best to 21 points to lead all players. Redshirt sophomore Hailey King had a career high 15 points, while junior Kathleen Iwuoha added 15 points and senior Alex Thomas scored 12. The Titans have had at least one player reach double figure scoring in each game this season.
Titans Tabbed 7th in Big West Media Poll
The Cal State Fullerton women's basketball team was picked to finish seventh in the 2012-13 Big West Conference race according to a vote of league media members released by the conference office on Oct. 23. The Titans received 59 points to finish just behind, UC Davis which was sixth with 72 points. Cal Poly managed to edge out Hawai'i as the favorite to take home the conference crown with 17 first place votes and 177 points overall. Hawai'i was tabbed second with 159 points (three first place votes), Cal State Northridge third with 121 points, Long Beach State fourth with 120 votes, UC Santa Barbara fifth with 100 points, UC Davis sixth with 72 points, UC Irvine with 54 points, and UC Riverside ninth with 38 points.
Straight From the Coach's Mouth
Be sure to visit www.fullertontitans.com and click on the women's basketball page to watch the 2013-14 women's basketball preview video featuring head coach Daron Park.
By the Numbers
Cal State Fullerton returns 91 percent of its 1,779 points scored, 91 percent of its rebounds, 90 percent of its field goals made, 68 percent of its free throws made, and 67 percent of its block shots from a season ago.
Hit Me Your Best Shot
Cal State Fullerton boasts a rigorous 13-game non-conference schedule that includes one road contest against No. 23 Iowa State, according to the AP Preseason Poll. The Titans first road test will come in New York to face off against Albany and Columbia. Later in the month, Fullerton travels to Northern California compete against Toledo and Alabama in the SMC Hilton Concord Classic. Six of the Titans' 13 non-conference affairs will be played away from Titan Gym.
Join the "Tipoff Club
The Cal State Fullerton women's basketball program invites fans and supporters of the Titans to join the "Tipoff Club," a club created to allow fans to become engaged specifically with the Fullerton women's basketball team. Membership benefits include an opportunity to support and improve the quality of the program, a regular newsletter with insights from the coaching staff, a lanyard to gain access to select pregame chalk talks, and an invitation to participate in special events with the team.
For more information or to make a gift to the women's basketball team and become a member of the "Tipoff Club," please make a gift by visiting: https://giving.fullerton.edu/giving/giving.aspx?szAccount_no=95993
Big West Sportsmanship Award
The Cal State Fullerton women's basketball program was selected as one of two recipients for the 2013 Big West Winter Sportsmanship Award it was announced on March 22 by Big West Commissioner Dennis Farrell.
The Sportsmanship Award is voted upon in each of the conference's 16 championship sports by the respective student-athletes. Each participating student-athlete selects the school that they feel demonstrates excellent conduct in competition and is most deserving of the award. The winning teams are chosen at the end of every season (Fall, Winter and Spring).