Cal State Fullerton Tops UC Riverside in Close Contest
Thursday, February 5, 2026, 10:00 PM ET · Titan Gym
Cal State Fullerton Titans 78, UC Riverside Highlanders 72, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won UC Riverside Highlanders vs Cal State Fullerton Titans?
Cal State Fullerton Titans beat UC Riverside Highlanders 78-72 at Titan Gym on February 5, 2026.
Who was favored in UC Riverside Highlanders vs Cal State Fullerton Titans?
Cal State Fullerton Titans were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -265 (about 73% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the Cal State Fullerton Titans emerged victorious against the UC Riverside Highlanders with a final score of 78-72. This game was notable as it marked a crucial win for the Titans, who have struggled in their recent encounters with the Highlanders, losing their previous three meetings. The Titans' home court advantage at Titan Gym played a significant role in their performance, as they improved their home record to 4-1 in their last five games.
The Titans entered this game with a record of 11-13, while the Highlanders sat at 8-16. In their last ten games, Fullerton had a balanced record of 5-5, although they were coming off a loss to the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos just days prior. The Titans averaged 77.0 points scored per game but also allowed an average of 80.7 points, indicating a tendency for high-scoring affairs. Their recent form showed a slight decline, with an average of 74.8 points scored and 75.4 points allowed in their last five games.
On the other hand, the Highlanders have faced challenges throughout the season, with a record of 2-8 in their last ten games and a current losing streak of one. They averaged 68.6 points scored while allowing 79.0 points, reflecting their struggles on both ends of the court. In their last five games, they managed to score an average of 74.2 points but allowed 76.2 points, indicating a similar trend of high-scoring contests.
Historically, the Titans have had a tough time against the Highlanders, with a head-to-head record of 0-3 in their last three meetings. This included a loss earlier in the season on January 18, where they fell 72-81 at UC Riverside. The Titans were eager to break this streak and capitalize on their home advantage.
In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any significant absences for either team, suggesting that both squads were at full strength for this matchup. This allowed for a competitive game where both teams could showcase their talents without the disruption of key player injuries.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Titans favored by 5.5 points, with a total set at 156.5. The odds indicated a belief in a competitive game, with the spread suggesting a closer match than the records might imply. The money line reflected the Titans at -265 and the Highlanders at 215, further emphasizing the Titans' status as favorites.
The game conditions at Titan Gym were favorable for both teams, with a typical atmosphere for college basketball that often fuels high energy and competitive spirit. Fans were treated to a thrilling contest that saw multiple lead changes and a tight scoreline throughout.
As the game progressed, key moments included a series of free throws in the closing minutes that allowed the Titans to maintain their lead. KJ Garris and Kendrick De Luna were instrumental in securing the victory for Fullerton, contributing crucial points from the charity stripe when it mattered most. The Titans managed to pull away slightly in the final minutes, showcasing their ability to handle pressure and close out the game effectively.
Overall, this victory not only boosts the Titans' confidence but also serves as a critical reminder of their potential as they look to build momentum moving forward in the season. The Highlanders, despite the loss, showed resilience and will aim to regroup as they continue their campaign.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | CSUF -5.5 | 156.5 o -108 / u -112 | UC Riverside Highlanders +215 · Cal State Fullerton Titans -265 |
Leaders
- PointsJoshua Ward18Cal State Fullerton Titans
- AssistsJaden Henderson3Cal State Fullerton Titans
- ReboundsBailey Nunn10Cal State Fullerton Titans
- PointsAndrew Henderson19UC Riverside Highlanders
- AssistsMarqui Worthy Jr.4UC Riverside Highlanders
- ReboundsAndrew Henderson9UC Riverside Highlanders
Recent form
Cal State Fullerton Titans
Last 10: 5-5Streak L177 scored · 80.7 allowed per game3-1 at home
- L69-83at UC Santa Barbara GauchosFeb 1
- W93-78at Cal Poly MustangsJan 25
- W71-61vs Long Beach State BeachJan 23
- L72-81at UC Riverside HighlandersJan 18
- L69-74at UC Davis AggiesJan 16
- W86-79vs Cal State Northridge MatadorsJan 11
- W88-71at UC San Diego TritonsJan 9
- L64-86vs UC Irvine AnteatersJan 4
- W95-84vs UC Santa Barbara GauchosJan 2
- L63-110at SMU MustangsDec 28
UC Riverside Highlanders
Last 10: 2-8Streak L168.6 scored · 79 allowed per game0-4 away
- L87-94vs Cal Poly MustangsFeb 1
- W71-61vs Long Beach State BeachJan 30
- L66-74at UC Davis AggiesJan 24
- L66-80vs UC Irvine AnteatersJan 23
- W81-72vs Cal State Fullerton TitansJan 18
- L73-88at Long Beach State BeachJan 16
- L66-69vs UC San Diego TritonsJan 11
- L66-67at Cal State Bakersfield RoadrunnersJan 9
- L45-88vs Hawai'i Rainbow WarriorsJan 2
- L65-97at UCLA BruinsDec 23
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| UC Irvine | 23-12 | - | 15-5 |
| Hawai'i | 24-9 | 1 | 14-6 |
| UC San Diego | 23-11 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Cal State Northridge | 20-14 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Cal State Fullerton | 18-16 | 3 | 12-8 |
| UC Davis | 19-14 | 4 | 11-9 |
| UC Santa Barbara | 18-14 | 4 | 11-9 |
| Cal Poly | 14-19 | 5 | 10-10 |
| Long Beach State | 10-22 | 9 | 6-14 |
| UC Riverside | 10-22 | 10 | 5-15 |
| Cal State Bakersfield | 8-24 | 13 | 2-18 |
Box score
| Stat | UC Riverside Highlanders | Cal State Fullerton Titans |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 27-66 | 23-55 |
| Field goal % | 41 | 42 |
| Three-pointers | 9-30 | 5-15 |
| Three-point % | 30 | 33 |
| Free throws | 9-16 | 27-32 |
| Free throw % | 56 | 84 |
| Rebounds | 36 | 44 |
| Offensive rebounds | 6 | 6 |
| Defensive rebounds | 30 | 38 |
| Assists | 12 | 9 |
| Steals | 7 | 5 |
| Blocks | 5 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 9 | 10 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 13 | 10 |
| Fast-break points | 10 | 19 |
| Points in the paint | 30 | 36 |
| Fouls | 20 | 15 |
| Largest lead | 15 | 6 |
| Lead changes | 5 | 5 |
| Time in front | 47 | 43 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half39-44Bailey Nunn makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jefferson De La Cruz Monegro assists)
- 2nd Half42-44De'Undrae Perteete Jr. makes 23-foot three point jumper (Andrew Henderson assists)
- 2nd Half42-47Jefferson De La Cruz Monegro makes 23-foot three point jumper (Kendrick De Luna assists)
- 2nd Half44-47Marqui Worthy Jr. makes layup
- 2nd Half46-47Andrew Henderson makes 9-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half46-48Kendrick De Luna makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half46-49Kendrick De Luna makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half48-49Jailen Daniel-Dalton makes 2-foot dunk
- 2nd Half48-50Jefferson De La Cruz Monegro makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half48-51Jefferson De La Cruz Monegro makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half51-51Marqui Worthy Jr. makes 23-foot three point jumper (De'Undrae Perteete Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half51-53Landon Seaman makes layup (Joshua Ward assists)
- 2nd Half53-53Osiris Grady makes layup (Marqui Worthy Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half53-54Landon Seaman makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half53-55Landon Seaman makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half55-55BJ Kolly makes layup (Marqui Worthy Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half58-55Marqui Worthy Jr. makes 25-foot three point jumper (Andrew Henderson assists)
- 2nd Half61-55Marqui Worthy Jr. makes 26-foot three point jumper (De'Undrae Perteete Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half61-57Joshua Ward makes driving layup
- 2nd Half63-57BJ Kolly makes layup
- 2nd Half63-58Kendrick De Luna makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-59Kendrick De Luna makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half63-61Kendrick De Luna makes 2-foot dunk (Bailey Nunn assists)
- 2nd Half63-63Joshua Ward makes layup
- 2nd Half63-64Joshua Ward makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-65Joshua Ward makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-65Andrew Henderson makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half68-65Osiris Grady makes layup (Marqui Worthy Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half68-67Landon Seaman makes layup (Jaden Henderson assists)
- 2nd Half68-69Joshua Ward makes driving layup
- 2nd Half68-71Joshua Ward makes driving layup
- 2nd Half71-71Osiris Grady makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half71-72KJ Garris makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half71-73KJ Garris makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half72-73Ben Waller makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half72-74KJ Garris makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half72-75Kendrick De Luna makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half72-76Kendrick De Luna makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half72-77Kendrick De Luna makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half72-78Bailey Nunn makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Cal State Fullerton Titans, below favours UC Riverside Highlanders.
Venue
- Titan GymFullerton, CA
- Attendance483
- OfficialsJeff Campbell, John Hampton, Ervin Wilson
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond