Feb. 12, 2009
Stockton, Calif. - Michael Kirby scored 14 points and Sam Willard added 13 plus a game-high 9 rebounds Thursday night to lead Pacific to a 70-51 Big West Conference victory over Cal State Fullerton.
The Tigers improved to 13-9 and 6-5 in the Big West while the Titans fell to 12-12 and 6-6.
Marcio Lassiter led Fullerton with 12 points and Josh Akognon had 11.
Fullerton's offensive output was its lowest of the season, "besting" a 54-point game in November vs. Saint Mary's. Pacific gradually pulled away from a 4-4 tie to take a 37-22 halftime lead. Its biggest second-half lead was 22 points, the last time at 48-26 with 15 minutes to play. Fullerton got as close as 12 points at 56-44 with 8 minutes left.
Fullerton's 22 points equaled the season first-half low, also vs. Pacific on Jan. 17.
"They did a great job with their zone defense," said Associate Head Coach Andy Newman. "Their three guards kept their arms out and really bottled up the passing lanes.
"They did a nice job of bottling up Josh."
Fullerton Coach Bob Burton benched his starting five for about 7 minutes early in the second half. Freshman Ameer Shamsud-din took advantage to score a season-high 10 points, making 3 of 4 3-point tries.
Fullerton shot only 36 percent from the floor, 26 percent from the 3-point line and 57 percent at the foul line. Pacific shot 51 percent, 39 percent and 78 percent.
Fullerton has won only twice in the last 20 years in Spanos Center.
Fullerton plays Saturday night at UC Davis, which beat UC Irvine Thursday night.