Cal State Fullerton Tops UC San Diego in Close Match
Thursday, March 5, 2026, 10:00 PM ET · Titan Gym
Cal State Fullerton Titans 75, UC San Diego Tritons 71, 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 San Diego Tritons vs Cal State Fullerton Titans?
Cal State Fullerton Titans beat UC San Diego Tritons 75-71 at Titan Gym on March 5, 2026.
Who was favored in UC San Diego Tritons vs Cal State Fullerton Titans?
UC San Diego Tritons were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -148 (about 60% implied). The underdog won.
In a thrilling encounter at Titan Gym, the Cal State Fullerton Titans edged out the UC San Diego Tritons with a final score of 75-71. This victory was particularly significant for the Titans, who had struggled in their previous meetings against the Tritons, holding a 1-2 record in their last three matchups. The Titans had previously lost to UC San Diego in both the 2025 season and earlier in the 2026 season, with scores of 51-90 and 55-100. However, this time, they turned the tide in their favor.
Cal State Fullerton entered the game with a home record of 16-15 and a recent form of 7-3 over their last ten games, although they were coming off a loss against the Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors. The Titans averaged 81.0 points scored and allowed 78.7 points during this stretch, indicating a tendency for high-scoring affairs. Their last five games saw them average 83.4 points while allowing 85.4, showcasing their offensive capabilities but also defensive vulnerabilities.
On the other hand, UC San Diego boasted a stronger overall record of 21-10 and had been in excellent form, winning their last five games. They averaged 69.0 points scored and allowed 67.2 points in their last ten games, suggesting a more balanced approach to both offense and defense. Their recent performances included victories against Cal Poly, Cal State Bakersfield, and UC Irvine, with their last five games yielding an average of 75.0 points scored and only 64.4 points allowed.
The betting market reflected this competitive matchup, with DraftKings setting the odds at UC San Diego -2.5, indicating a slight favor for the Tritons. The total points line was set at 156.5, suggesting expectations of a moderately high-scoring game.
In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any significant absences that would have impacted either team, allowing both squads to field their best lineups for this crucial game.
The conditions at Titan Gym were conducive to a lively contest, with both teams eager to secure a win. As the game unfolded, it was marked by a series of pivotal scoring plays in the second half. Notably, Joshua Ward's contributions were crucial, as he tied the game at 66 with a three-point jumper and later scored the final layup to seal the victory for the Titans. The back-and-forth nature of the game kept fans on the edge of their seats, with both teams exchanging leads multiple times.
The Titans' ability to capitalize on their home court advantage proved decisive, as they managed to outscore the Tritons in the final moments. This win not only boosts their confidence but also adds to their momentum as they look to build on this performance moving forward. The match showcased the resilience of Cal State Fullerton, demonstrating their capability to compete at a high level despite their earlier struggles against UC San Diego.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | UCSD -2.5 | 156.5 o -108 / u -112 | UC San Diego Tritons -148 · Cal State Fullerton Titans +124 |
Leaders
- PointsJoshua Ward20Cal State Fullerton Titans
- AssistsJefferson De La Cruz Monegro5Cal State Fullerton Titans
- ReboundsJefferson De La Cruz Monegro8Cal State Fullerton Titans
- PointsHudson Mayes13UC San Diego Tritons
- AssistsTom Beattie9UC San Diego Tritons
- ReboundsHudson Mayes8UC San Diego Tritons
Recent form
Cal State Fullerton Titans
Last 10: 7-3Streak L181 scored · 78.7 allowed per game4-1 at home
- L85-87vs Hawai'i Rainbow WarriorsMar 1
- W88-80at Cal State Bakersfield RoadrunnersFeb 22
- W93-92vs UC Davis AggiesFeb 20
- L65-86at UC Irvine AnteatersFeb 15
- W86-82at Long Beach State BeachFeb 13
- W82-66vs Cal State Bakersfield RoadrunnersFeb 8
- W78-72vs UC Riverside HighlandersFeb 6
- L69-83at UC Santa Barbara GauchosFeb 1
- W93-78at Cal Poly MustangsJan 25
- W71-61vs Long Beach State BeachJan 23
UC San Diego Tritons
Last 10: 6-4Streak W569 scored · 67.2 allowed per game1-2 away
- W80-64vs Cal Poly MustangsMar 1
- W84-72vs Cal State Bakersfield RoadrunnersFeb 27
- W71-69at UC Irvine AnteatersFeb 22
- W72-66vs UC Riverside HighlandersFeb 15
- W68-51vs UC Davis AggiesFeb 13
- L67-72at Hawai'i Rainbow WarriorsFeb 8
- W77-74vs Long Beach State BeachFeb 6
- L64-81at Cal State Northridge MatadorsFeb 1
- L48-62vs UC Santa Barbara GauchosJan 30
- L59-61vs UC Irvine AnteatersJan 25
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 San Diego Tritons | Cal State Fullerton Titans |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 30-60 | 29-67 |
| Field goal % | 50 | 43 |
| Three-pointers | 8-24 | 11-35 |
| Three-point % | 33 | 31 |
| Free throws | 3-3 | 6-9 |
| Free throw % | 100 | 67 |
| Rebounds | 35 | 35 |
| Offensive rebounds | 6 | 11 |
| Defensive rebounds | 29 | 24 |
| Assists | 24 | 23 |
| Steals | 6 | 8 |
| Blocks | 2 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 15 | 9 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 13 | 22 |
| Fast-break points | 12 | 18 |
| Points in the paint | 44 | 34 |
| Fouls | 14 | 8 |
| Largest lead | 12 | 5 |
| Lead changes | 2 | 2 |
| Time in front | 81 | 14 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half37-27Bol Dengdit makes 1-foot jumper (Aidan Burke assists)
- 1st Half39-27Emanuel Prospere II makes layup (Tom Beattie assists)
- 1st Half39-29Joshua Ward makes layup (Kendrick De Luna assists)
- 2nd Half41-29Bol Dengdit makes layup
- 2nd Half41-31Landon Seaman makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half41-33Joshua Ward makes driving layup
- 2nd Half41-35Christian Williams makes layup
- 2nd Half43-35Jaden Vance makes layup
- 2nd Half43-37Landon Seaman makes layup (Joshua Ward assists)
- 2nd Half45-37Hudson Mayes makes layup
- 2nd Half48-37Jaden Vance makes 23-foot three point jumper (Leo Beath assists)
- 2nd Half48-40Christian Williams makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jefferson De La Cruz Monegro assists)
- 2nd Half48-42Joshua Ward makes layup (Kendrick De Luna assists)
- 2nd Half50-42Emanuel Prospere II makes 4-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half52-42Jaden Vance makes driving layup (Bol Dengdit assists)
- 2nd Half52-45Jaden Henderson makes 27-foot three point jumper (Joshua Ward assists)
- 2nd Half54-45Emanuel Prospere II makes 5-foot hook shot (Jaden Vance assists)
- 2nd Half54-47Kendrick De Luna makes layup (Joshua Ward assists)
- 2nd Half55-47Leo Beath makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half56-47Leo Beath makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half56-50Joshua Ward makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jefferson De La Cruz Monegro assists)
- 2nd Half59-50Leo Beath makes 26-foot three point jumper (Tom Beattie assists)
- 2nd Half59-51Joshua Ward makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half59-52Joshua Ward makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half59-54Jefferson De La Cruz Monegro makes layup (Christian Williams assists)
- 2nd Half59-56Jaden Henderson makes 12-foot pullup jump shot (Bailey Nunn assists)
- 2nd Half61-56Leo Beath makes 4-foot floating jump shot (Emanuel Prospere II assists)
- 2nd Half64-56Alex Chaikin makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jaden Vance assists)
- 2nd Half64-59Jaden Henderson makes 23-foot three point jumper (Bailey Nunn assists)
- 2nd Half64-61Bryce Cofield makes 16-foot pullup jump shot (Kendrick De Luna assists)
- 2nd Half64-63Bryce Cofield makes layup (Kendrick De Luna assists)
- 2nd Half66-63Hudson Mayes makes layup (Tom Beattie assists)
- 2nd Half66-66Joshua Ward makes 23-foot three point jumper (Kendrick De Luna assists)
- 2nd Half69-66Leo Beath makes 23-foot three point jumper (Tom Beattie assists)
- 2nd Half69-69Jefferson De La Cruz Monegro makes 25-foot three point jumper (Christian Williams assists)
- 2nd Half71-69Emanuel Prospere II makes driving layup
- 2nd Half71-71Kendrick De Luna makes 4-foot dunk (Jefferson De La Cruz Monegro assists)
- 2nd Half71-72Joshua Ward makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half71-73Joshua Ward makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-75Joshua Ward makes layup
Win probability
Above the line favours Cal State Fullerton Titans, below favours UC San Diego Tritons.
Venue
- Titan GymFullerton, CA
- Attendance848
- OfficialsMatthew Rukasin, Ed Crenshaw Jr., John Hampton
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