RIVERSIDE, Calif. – Following the opening tip, the Titans put the pedal to the metal and never looked back, smoking UC Riverside 68 to 45 on Thursday night in the SCR Arena. The win makes it a regular season sweep for the Titans over the Highlanders. With one more victory, the Cal State Fullerton women's basketball team will be assured of their first winning season since 1990-91.
Head coach Jeff Harada had this to say about the game: "A big win for our team in so many ways. I was really happy with the focus and determination we played with tonight. It started on the defensive end with our energy and communication, which led to us getting stops, and turning them into points on offense."
Harada continued: "We shared the ball well, and made shots, but I thought our defense was outstanding tonight."
Three-time Big West player of the week, Raina Perez, once again lit the fire for the Fullerton squad with a double-double, and led the team in all three major categories, points (24), rebounds (10), and assists (six), which she tied with Taylor Turney. Perez was a sizzling 10-14 from the floor, including four-for-four from behind the 3-point arc, and even notched two blocks.
Four of the five Titan starters finished the night scoring in double figures: Taylor Turney had 13 points to go with six assists and five rebounds. Forward Amiee Book had 13 points and six boards. Carolyn Gill had 11 points and seven rebounds for the Titans.
All 12 Titans in uniform saw time on the floor. Post players Madison Freemon, Megan Nieto, Janette Mensah and Kathryn Neff combined for 14 rebounds and seven points. Starter Freemon had seven of those rebounds and two blocks.
Fullerton dominated Riverside in shooting percentage 43.5% to 27.9%, thanks to some stifling Titan defense. Fullerton outrebounded the Highlanders 49 to 39, and led in assists 21 to nine. It was undoubtedly one of the best all-around performances by the Titans all season, and certainly came at a most opportune time, with only three regular season games remaining after tonight.
On Saturday, February 29, Cal State Fullerton (15-11, 7-6 BWC) will return to historic Titan Gym for a 6:00 p.m. leap day match-up with the Hawai'i Rainbow Wahine. Fullerton will be looking to redeem an earlier 72-79 loss at the Stan Sheriff Center.
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