Box Score (PDF)
FULLERTON, Calif. – Dani Craig scored 18 points by combo of a season-high six three-pointers while the Titans surrendered their second conference-opener defeat in the last 10 years in a 82-61 loss to Long Beach State at Titan Gym on Saturday night.
Cal State Fullerton (2-13, 0-1 BWC) made a season-high 13 3-point field goals and were led by Craig and Sami Logan with 6-11 and 4-9 from behind the arc respectively. Amanda Tivenius, who recorded her second start of the season tonight, logged a career-high 10 rebounds to lead the Titans defensively tonight.
The 49ers also broke records with their 20 3-point field goals made including a Long Beach program record and the Big West single-game team record.
Long Beach State got out to a quick 9-0 lead before Craig answered back for the Titans with a trio of three-pointers to quickly bring the game back within six.
The Titans attempted many comebacks throughout the first period, yet the 49ers held their lead by responding with points of their own.
Craig hit the double-digit mark with her fourth three of the game in the first quarter to end the first trailing Long Beach 17-28.
Early in the second period, Jade Vega scored four points to keep the Titans in the game and shift the momentum, leading the orange and blue to a five-point run to cut the deficit to only four.
Yet after a hard fought first half, Long Beach State led the Titans 43-34. Craig ended the first half with 15 points, all three-pointers while Logan chipped in two three's of her own to lead the Titans offensively.
Fullerton shot 44% from the field in the first half while surrendering 12 turnovers, yet forcing six steals after the first 20 minutes of play.
In the third quarter, Craig tied her season-high in three-pointers made with her sixth of the game to cut the deficit to 11. Yet Long Beach State hit a program record 14 three-pointers, also tying Fullerton's season-high in three's allowed.
Late in the third period Long Beach State ran away with the game, going on a 8-3 run to end the third period leading the Titans 64-47.
Yet the Titans couldn't hold on and spark a comeback in the fourth quarter, leading them to the 82-61 loss.
The Titans recorded a season-high 27 turnovers in which the 49ers capitalized on, scoring 37 points off of turnovers.
Fullerton continues conference play on Thursday night hosting UC Santa Barbara at Titan Gym at 7 p.m.
NOTES: The Titans now drop to 14-17 all-time, 7-7 at Titan Gym and 0-3 to Long Beach State in conference openers… The 49ers 20 3-point FG's are the most allowed by the Titans so far this season… Craig recorded her seventh and second consecutive double-digit scoring game…
