Henderson, Nev. – The Cal State Fullerton men's basketball team led for almost the entire game as they defeated the University of Hawai'i in the Big West Tournament Semifinals, 58-46, on Friday night at the Dollar Loan Center.
With the win, the No. 2 Titans advance to the Big West Tournament Championship where they will face the No.1 seeded Long Beach State team on Saturday night at 8:30 pm on ESPN2.
The Titans are in their third Big West Tournament Championship game in five years (*The 2020 Big West Tournament was canceled due to Covid-19) and four seasons. The Titans last won the Big West Tournament Championship in 2018.
On a night where both teams didn't shoot well on the floor, the Titans defense put on a stellar effort. They held Hawai'i to just 46 points on 27.8% shooting (15-54). The Titans also forced 16 turnovers against the 'Bows.
Damari Milstead and EJ Anosike led the offense, scoring more than half the team's points. Milstead had 18 points along with 1 rebound, two assists, and three steals.
FIRE US UP!!! @DamariMilstead #TusksUp pic.twitter.com/mZjjmzwNBV
— Titans Men's Basketball (@FullertonMBB) March 12, 2022
E.J. Anosike had his 9th double-double of the season with 16 points and 13 rebounds.
Put an exclamation point on it �� @EAnosike55 #TusksUp pic.twitter.com/bJ27CDNRZB
— Titans Men's Basketball (@FullertonMBB) March 12, 2022
The Titans held the all the Hawaii starters to less than 10 points as Mate Colina led the 'Bows with 12 points off the bench.
The Titans started the game off on a 9-2 run before the 'Bows before able to bring to a 1-point game at 13-12. The Titans eventually pulled away to take a 28-21 lead at the half.
The Titans maintained a 9-point lead for the start of the second half and the 'Bows never got closer than 5 points for the rest of the game.
The Titans have played Long Beach State only once this season on February 8th where they lost at Long Beach 71-61. The Titans home game against Long Beach scheduled for January 4th was cancelled due to Covid-Protocols.
The opening tip for Saturday's Championship game is set for 8:30 pm. The game will be broadcasted nationally on ESPN2.
