LA JOLLA, Calif. ? The UC San Diego men's basketball team picked up its first-ever win over Sonoma State in CCAA play, posting a 90-76 victory in front of 3,098 fans on Friday night in RIMAC Arena. With the win the Tritons improve to 10-10 overall and 8-7 in CCAA play while dropping the defending league champions to 9-10 overall and 8-7 in conference action.
Sonoma State had won all 13 previous matchups in league play dating back to the 2000-01 season and including the 75-70 victory in Rohnert Park this season. The Triton victory came courtesy of some hot shooting and a balanced scoring attack in front of a rowdy Spirit Night crowd that ended up being the second largest attendance figure in the CCAA this season.
All five Triton starters scored in double-figures led by sophomore point guard Kelvin Kim's 15. Henry Patterson, Brett Stuckey, Clint Allard and Robby Peters all chipped in with 13 points apiece in the victory. Stuckey's 13 was a career-high while Kim added eight assists.
UCSD shot a blistering 70.5% from the floor, going 31 of 44 on the night that included a very good 5-for-7 night from long range. The Seawolves also had a good shooting night, making 56.5% of their shots that included a 7-for-13 performance from long range.
J.T. Tipton led all scorers with his 24 points while Patrick Mitchell added 20. Jeff Fuller rounded out the SSU scorers in double digits with his 12 points.
As a team the Tritons committed only five turnovers on the night while collecting six steals and forcing 11 SSU turnovers. Both teams collected 24 rebounds apiece, most of which came on the defensive end as only seven offensive rebounds were taken on the night between the two squads.
UCSD head coach Bill Carr's squad will return to action on Saturday night, hosting 11th-ranked Humboldt State. The Tritons put their 4-game win streak on the line against the CCAA leading Lumberjacks at 7:30 p.m. inside RIMAC Arena.
