Long Beach State at Cal State Fullerton
Fullerton, Calif. | Titan Gym
Saturday, February 1, 2014 | 6:00 p.m.
Game Coverage: Live Stats | Video | Audio | Long Beach State Notes

Cal State Fullerton Game Notes (PDF)

Tip-Off

After defeating UC Santa Barbara on the road for the first time since 1991, Cal State Fullerton (7-11, 3-2 Big West) returns home to Titan Gym as it looks to continue its ascend toward the top of the Big West standings, Saturday at 6 p.m. when it goes up against rival Long Beach State. Fans in attendance will receive a Fullerton rally buff courtesy of Titan Athletics. 

Watch it Live

There will be a live video feed available for Cal State Fullerton's game versus Long Beach State. 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 Cal State Fullerton's game versus Long Beach State. 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 Cal State Fullerton's game versus Long Beach State. 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 (7-11) at Long Beach State (11-9)

Overall Record... 34-62

Home Record... 17-28

Away Record... 11-31

Neutral Record... 5-3

Big West Record... 14-42

Longest Win Streak... 15 games

Longest Losing Streak... 26 games

Current Streak... Loss 8

Record in Last 10 Meetings... 7-3

Last Meeting...March 12, 2013 at Irvine, Calif. (W, 54-48)

Series Game-by-Game (Last five meetings)

03.12.13 Irvine, Calif. W 54-48

02.14.13 Fullerton, Calif. L 58-56

01.19.13 Long Beach, Calif. L 45-39

03.03.12 Long Beach, Calif. L 62-61

01.28.12 Fullerton, Calif. W 74-53

Series Note: Saturday marks the 77th meeting all-time meeting between the two schools... Fullerton lost both to Long Beach State both times in the regular season, but defeated the 49ers in the Big West tournament last season in Irvine, Calif...The 49ers have won the last three of four meetings...the Titans are 14-42 against LBSU in Big West Conference play...Fullerton's largest margin of victory was a 88-45 (43 pts) win Apr. 11, 1970 at Fullerton...Fullerton's largest margin of defeat was a 94-45 loss in Fullerton, Calif., on Feb. 11, 2001.

Assessing the 49ers

Long Beach State (11-9, 3-3 Big West) comes into this weekends matchup losing three of its last four games. To open up conference play the 49ers have defeated UC Irvine, UCSB and most recently Hawai'i, while losing to Cal Poly, UC Davis, and Cal State Northridge.

The 49ers are led by freshman guard and former Big West player of the week Raven Benton, as she averages 13.6 points per game. She also leads the team in rebounding, pulling down 5.4 boards per contest. Alex Sanchez and Lauren Spargo also help the 49ers out as they average 10.4 and 10.1 points per contest, respectively.

LBSU averages 71.2 points per game and only gives up 71.9 points.the 49ers were picked to finish fourth in the conference in the Big West's preseason conference poll.

Rally Buff Giveaway

Fans in attendance for Saturday's gamer versus Long Beach State will receive a Titan rally buff courtesy of Cal State Fullerton athletics.

Conference Call

The Titans are 197-298 (.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.  

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

History was made in a big way Saturday afternoon at the Thunderdome, as Cal State Fullerton grinded out a come from behind victory to knock off UC Santa Barbara, 67-62, marking the Titans' first win over the Gauchos in Santa Barbara since 1991.

For Fullerton (7-11, 3-2 Big West) the win signified the end of what was a 22-road game losing streak at Santa Barbara with the last win coming on February 12, 1991. UC Santa Barbara (6-12, 1-4, Big West), has now dropped five of its last six games and has loss the last two contests to Fullerton.

Senior Alex Thomas and junior Tailer Butler paced the Titans, each pouring in a team-high 16 points. Chante Miles and Samantha Logan also did their parts, as they each scored 11 points, while Miles also dished out eight assists in the win.

Melissa Zorning scored a game-high 20 points on 8-of-17 shooting, including four three-pointers for the Gauchos.  Destini Mason also added 18 points and grabbed eight rebounds in the loss.

Despite shooting only 29 percent in the first half, the Titans forced multiple Gaucho turnovers in the second-half and improved its shooting to 53 percent from the field in the second half.

The Titans and Gauchos began the game trading buckets, but the Titans got a big life off the bench from Butler who knocked down three straight three-pointers, which put Fullerton ahead 17-14 with 10:55 remaining in the opening half. After a UCSB timeout, the Gauchos took control of the game as a 13-2 run with six minutes remaining in the first half put the Gauchos on top 27-19. UCSB then gained its biggest lead of the game and entered halftime leading 33-23.

Fullerton opened up the second half with three-pointers from both Logan and Thomas, which cut the UCSB lead down to four, 35-31. Over the next four minutes both teams traded baskets, but an 11-2 run after that put Fullerton ahead 49-46 with 6:09 remaining.

However, the Gauchos quickly answered back with a 7-0 run of their own and regained the lead 53-49 with under five minutes to play, but the Titans grinded back to take the lead again and were finally able to grab the lead for good as Miles completed an old-fashioned three-point play and Logan converted a three-pointer with under a minute to play.

Where We Rank

After five conference games, lets see where's the Titans rank amongst other Big West opponents overall. Fullerton ranks first in the Big West Conference in three-point defense (.273), and three-pointers per game (10.60). The Titans rank second in assists (15.8 apg), three-point percentage (.379), and turnover margin (+2.6). Fullerton has also been the fourth highest scoring team in the league as they average 71.2 points in Big West contests. 

What's Trending

Fullerton has recorded two or more double-digit scorers in 17 of 18 games this season...the Titans bench has outscored the opponent's bench in ten contests this season, including the last five of six games...Fullerton has committed more turnovers than the opposition in eight games this season, but has only committed more than their opponents once in the last nine games...the Titans have used six different starting lineups this season and are 6-4 with the most commonly used lineup.

UCSB Winning Streak at Home Snapped

Fullerton's win last weekend at UCSB signified the end of what was a 23-year losing streak in Santa Barbara. The Titans previously defeated the Gauchos at the Thunderdome on Feb. 12, 1991 (22 games). 

Leading the Way for Big West

After averaging 8.6 points in non-conference games, senior guard Alex Thomas has stepped up her game as the Mission Viejo, Calif., native is averaging 19.6 points per game in conference games, which is second among Big West players. She is also first in minutes played (39.8), third in steals (1.60 spg), and 4th in three-pointers per game (2.8). 

Butler's Hot Streak from Behind the Arc

Junior guard Tailer Butler has been a big contributor off the bench for the Titans since the start of Big West play. The Los Angeles, Calif., native has converted 21 three-pointers in the past five contests and has also scored double figures in four of the five game (19, 18, 10, 16). Butler ranks first amongst Big West players for three-pointers made per game (4.2) and third in three-point percentage (.512). 

Shooting Over 40 percent                                                                     

The Titans are 5-1 when shooting better than 40 percent from the field and 4-0 when shooting better than 40 percent from behind the arc. 

Out-Rebounding the Opponents                                                                    

The Titans are 5-1 when grabbing more rebounds than the opponents. However, when Fullerton doesnt grab more rebounds than their opponent they are 2-8. 

Scoring Threat

Chante Miles has averaged 14.6 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 17 of 18 games this season and has 37 total in her career. Last season the junior guard had 19 double-digit scoring games.

Individuals in the Big West

After 18 games multiple Titans individually rank at the top of statistical categories for the Big West Conference. Junior Chante Miles is 11th in scoring (14.6 ppg), first in assists (4.8 apg), and first in minutes played (37.3 mpg). Kathleen Iwuoha is ranked third in field goal percentage (.518), fifth in rebounds (6.9 rpg), and sixth in offensive rebounds (2.82 pg). Forward Natalie Williams is tenth in blocked shots per game (0.7 bpg). Samantha Logan is ranked third in three-point field goal percentage (.395) and seventh in three-pointers made (1.63 pg), and 12th in rebounding (6.0 rpg). Senior Alex Thomas is ranked fourth in minutes (35.2 mpg) and eighth in three-pointers made (1.56 pg). Junior Tailer Butler is fifth in three-point field goal percentage (.389) and eighth in three-pointers made (1.56). 

Up Next

Fullerton will wrap up the first half of Big West play next week at Titan Gym versus UC Riverside (Feb. 6) and Cal State Northridge (Feb. 8)

Balanced Attack

Cal State Fullerton has had a relatively balanced attack this year with five players averaging between 14.6 and 6.7 points per game starting with Chante Miles (14.6 ppg), followed by Alex Thomas (11.7 ppg), while Kathleen Iwuoha chips in 10.1 ppg. 

Cleaning Up

Junior forward Kathleen Iwuoha has led Fullerton in rebounding in its last nine of 11 contest. Over the past nine games she has averaged over seven rebounds per game and this season she leads the team in overall rebounding (6.9 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. 

Climbing Up the Record Books

Junior forward Natalie Williams leads the Titans with 13 blocked shots this season and now ranks ninth all-time among career shot blockers. The Cerritos, Calif., native needs one block 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 won its last four of five games at Titan Gym (Seattle, New Mexico State, Denver, UC Irvine).

Career Milestones Approaching and Reached.

Senior guard Brianna Barfield needs five points for 200 total points in her career. Senior guard Alex Thomas recorded her 300th rebound against UC Davis last Saturday. 

The Second Half, Times Two

Fullerton has scored 53.0 percent (594/1175) 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 66.0 points per game compared to its current 61.4 points per game clip. 

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 (6.0 rpg) and defensive rebounding (4.2 rpg). Her overall rebounding per game ranks 12th best in the Big West.

Finding the Right Mix

Cal State Fullerton has used six different starting lineups this season and is 6-4 with a lineup of Chante Miles, Hailey King, Alex Thomas, Samantha Logan, and Kat Iwuoha. Hailey King and Alex Thomas are the only Titans to have started in every game this season.

Miles Dishing Out Assists

Halfway through the season junior guard Chante Miles is first in the Big West in assists. The Compton, Calif., native has 86 assists this season and tied a career high against UCSB after dishing out eight assists. Miles previously had eight assists versus Alabama earlier this season.  

Bench Production

The Titans' bench has produced 214 of Fullerton's 973 total points scored this season (22 percent)...the CSUF bench has been outscored by opposition's bench 214-247 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 395 of Fullerton's 973 points this season (41%). Miles has 15 ten double-digit scoring games this season, including four 20-point performances. Iwuoha has ten 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.

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

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.

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. 

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. 

New Kids on the Block

The Titans welcome two new faces to the squad for the 2013-14 season. Here is more on the true freshmen ready to make an impact for the team this season: 

Chelsea Waddy • F/C • 6-1 • Rialto Carter High School, Calif.

Was a four-year letterwinning forward for the Rialto Carter High School basketball program, also played varsity tennis for four seasons...earned all-league honorable mention honors all four years...earned First-Team All-League honors and was named team MVP for basketball both her junior and senior seasons. Led her team in points per game (12.9), total points (336),  total blocked shots (89), rebounds per game (12.2), and total rebounds (317) last season.

Samantha Logan • G/F • 5-9 • Centennial High School, Calif.

Played four seasons for the Centennial basketball team, two seasons of softball, and even a season of football her senior year...her senior season she earned the coach's excellence award, made First Team All-League, named MVP in all three tournaments Centennial played in, and made Third Team All-County...she also played quarterback for Centennial's CIF Championship football team her senior year...she went 2-for-4 with 42 passing yards (father Matt is the head coach of the Centennial football program).

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).