UC Davis defense locks in to defeat Cal State Fullerton

This story was initially published by UC Davis Athletics

Score:  UC Davis basketball 63, Cal State Fullerton 53
Location: Davis, Calif.
Records:  UC Davis 9-7 (3-2), Cal State Fullerton 5-12 (0-5)

The short story: UC Davis basketball put together one of their strongest defensive efforts of the season, holding the Titans to just 53 points on 28.3% shooting while the offense was propelled by the dynamic trio of Connor Sevilla, Pablo Tamba, and TY Johnson. Sevilla led the charge with a career-high 18 points, while Tamba recorded his first career double-double.

THE DAGGER ‼️

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— UC Davis Men’s Basketball (@ucdavismbb) January 10, 2025

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COURT SIDE

• The Aggies were led by a trio of double-figure scorers, spearheaded by Sevilla’s 18 points
• Sevilla knocked down four three-pointers, with his most crucial one coming with 52 seconds remaining, increasing UC Davis’ lead to six points late in the game
• Tamba recorded his first career double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds
• Tamba’s 11 rebounds tied for a game-high, with his three offensive rebounds being critical in securing extra possessions late in the game
• Johnson chipped in with 15 points and three steals
• The Chicago native now needs only two points to break into UC Davis’ top 10 all-time career scoring list
• The story of the night was UC Davis’ defense, which forced 21 Titan turnovers
• Leo DeBruhl joined Johnson with a team-high three steals, playing a significant role in the stifling Aggie defense
• UC Davis limited the Titans to just 28.3 percent shooting from the field and allowed only one three-pointer, limiting Cal State Fullerton from beyond the arc until the 3:47 mark in the second half
• While steals contributed to the defensive effort, Niko Rocak was also a force on the interior, recording four blocks and drawing three charges
• Rocak now has seven games this season with three or more blocks
• UC Davis was effective from the charity stripe, going 20-for-24
• UC Davis with the win tonight, improved to 6-1 on their home court
• For the Titans, Zion Richardson led the way with 13 points

HOW IT HAPPENED

• UC Davis started strong, scoring on the first possession of the game
• Cal State Fullerton quickly responded with two field goals, taking their only lead of the game
• Both sides initially struggled to find a consistent scoring stride after the early offensive possessions, however, Sevilla eventually helped UC Davis find their groove, sinking three consecutive three-pointers at the 14-, 11-, and 8-minute marks, igniting the Aggies’ offense
• This scoring outburst, combined with a 12-3 run to end the first half, led UC Davis to a 34-20 lead after 20 minutes
• The Aggies’ defense in the first half was maybe the best it has been all season, holding the Titans to just 20 points and six field goals while preventing them from making a single three-point field goal
• In the second half, Cal State Fullerton continued to struggle from beyond the arc, making their first and only three-pointer at the 3:47 mark
• The second half was a back-and-forth battle, with both teams trading points from the free-throw line
• The Titans capitalized on this time in the bonus to generate late points, and a 6-0 run at the 1:12 mark made things interesting by reducing the lead to just four points
• UC Davis then responded with their own 6-0 run as Sevilla’s crucial three-pointer with 52 seconds remaining proved pivotal, helping the Aggies secure a 63-53 victory

UP NEXT: UC Davis continues the home stand on Saturday, hosting Long Beach State at 2 p.m. PT inside the University Credit Union Center.

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