LAS CRUCES, N.M. – Led by Chante Miles' 18-point, four-assist performance, the Cal State Fullerton women's basketball team defeated New Mexico State, 66-51, as part of the Hotel Encanto Thanksgiving Classic at the Pan American Center on Saturday afternoon.
Miles was one of four Titans (2-4) scoring in double figures –a season-best for Cal State Fullerton– as Kathleen Iwuoha scored 15 points and added three rebounds.
Freshman Daeja Smith produced the first double-double of her career with 10 points and a career-high 11 rebounds, while adding a career-high three blocks. Senior guard Tailer Bulter poured in 10 points and a season-high nine rebounds.
"I was really proud of our effort today," second-year head coach Daron Park said. "To end the week with two road wins is a positive step for this team. I thought we did a great job of defending New Mexico State and taking away their actions. Our players are starting to feel more comfortable on the floor together and the results are showing."
Cal State Fullerton led from start to finish shooting a season-high 45.5 percent (25-of-55) from the floor while knocking down eight three-pointers and grabbing a season-best 43 rebounds compared to just 34 for New Mexico State (0-5).
By the 15:30 mark, the Titans held a 10-point, 15-5, advantage as freshman Lakyn Gulley knocked down a bucket from long distance. A trey from Butler put the Titans ahead 33-21 at the half.
In the second period, Cal State Fullerton opened the half on a 9-1 run led by a three-point play from Iwuoha, buckets from Butler and Miles as well as a Samantha Logan three-pointer as the Titan lead ballooned to 20 points, 45-25, with 15:36 to play.
Sasha Weber led New Mexico State with 15 points while Brianna Freeman added 10. The Aggies were held to a .295 (18-of-61) shooting percentage.
The Titans picked up two wins on the road this week, playing the first three games of their six-game road swing.
Cal State Fullerton returns to action at Denver on Wednesday with a 5 p.m. PT tip-off.
Notes: Cal State Fullerton shot a season high 45.5 percent from the floor…a season-best four Titans scored in double figures…the Titans grabbed a season-best 43 rebounds…Chante Miles has scored in double figures in five games this season…freshman Daeja Smith produced the first double-double of her career and the second for the Titans this year…Smith's three blocks were also a career best and Titan season high.
