Davis, Calif. — The UC Davis Men's Basketball Team (10-7, 3-2) picked up their third-straight victory Saturday afternoon against the Cal State Fullerton Titans, 83-79. Playing in front of a rowdy crowd at the University Credit Union Center with 1,247 people in attendance, the Aggies were paced by two-time All-Big West Second Team Member, Elijah Pepper who recorded 29 points, three steals, four assists, and four rebounds.
UC Davis had three members reach double figures as Ty Johnson and Christian Anigwe each chipped in 16 points on a night where the Aggie offense returned to form.
With both teams struggling to dial it in from distance, the Aggies were able to put pressure on the Titans front court and in the process, picked up some timely And-1 efforts. Known for their knack to get to the free throw line, UC Davis entered the contest ranking 12th in the nation in attempts, averaging 24.8 per game. Today was yet another showcase of this being a focal point for the offense, as the Aggies cashed in with 21 points from the line.
Making their presence known inside the paint, and from the charity stripe, Jim Les' squad controlled the pace for most of the game, with the Aggies possessing the lead after the half, as well as being ahead for nearly 30 minutes of game action.
A battle through and through, the game saw a total of seven lead changes. After entering the second half with a two point lead the Aggies would make a run in the second half and extend it all the way to 10 points after an Anigwe three-pointer. The Titans would not go away quietly though. A late fast break layup for Cal State Fullerton's Tory San Antonio, and a pair for free throws from Lathaniel Bastian would cap off a run that saw the Titans take a three point lead with just over two minutes of regulation.
Not giving in, the Aggies got the crowd right back into the game with a some big buckets down the stretch from Ty Johnson and Christian Anigwe, before calling upon Pepper, and Ade Adebayo to seal the deal from the line. After it is all said and done, an 83-79 victory for UC Davis and the longest winning streak of the season.
GAME NOTES
- UC Davis finished the game shooting 45.9% from the field (28-61)
- The Ags were out rebounded by the Titans, 39-36.
- Robby Beasley III had a team-high +7 in box +/-.
- Christian Anigwe led the team with seven rebounds.
- Elijah Pepper recorded his 16th career 20-point game and his eighth this season.
- Leading the Titans was Jalen Harris who scored 19 points, with five assists.
- UC Davis had 34 points in the paint.
- The third straight victory is the longest winning streak of the year for the Aggies.
UP NEXT
The Aggies have a busy, three game week on slate with a trip to UC San Diego on Monday. Tip-off for that contest is scheduled for 3 P.M. PT. Following the road game in San Diego, the Aggies will return home for a pair of contest starting on Thursday, Jan. 19 at 5 P.M. PT with the UC Riverside Highlanders coming into town, followed up by a visit from the Cal Poly Mustangs, a week from today, on Saturday, Jan. 21 at 3 P.M. PT.
