LA JOLLA, Calif. – Playing its final home game of the regular season, the fourth-ranked UC San Diego men's basketball team honored its four seniors prior to the start of Saturday night's game vs. Cal State LA. Then the Tritons did what they seemingly do every night: win. UC San Diego picked up its 16th victory in a row, an 80-67 triumph over the Golden Eagles at RIMAC Arena.
UC San Diego improved to 24-1 overall and 18-1 in California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) play. The Tritons' win combined with Cal State San Bernardino's home loss to Chico State on Saturday ensures UC San Diego at least a share of the CCAA regular season title for the second consecutive season.
Cal State LA (11-13 overall, 6-12 CCAA) built a quick 10-4 lead less than four minutes into the contest. However, the Tritons offense kicked into gear from there. UC San Diego went on an impressive 20-0 run over the next 5:52 to build a 24-10 lead.
The offense was hot throughout the first half, connecting on 15 of its first 20 shot attempts. By halftime, UC San Diego led 42-23.
The Tritons shot 65% in the first half and were led in scoring by Oshita with nine. Senior forward
Scott Everman and junior guard
Gabe Hadley added eight apiece for UC San Diego. The Tritons outscored the Golden Eagles 24-4 in the paint.
When the second half began, it was almost as if the Tritons weren't quite ready for it. The Golden Eagles scored six quick points to cut their deficit to 42-29. That forced a UC San Diego timeout.
The Tritons regrouped and continued to knock down shots. With 6:05 left, the home team stretched its lead to 20 at 71-51 on a three from Oshita. UC San Diego led comfortably the rest of the way.
Oshita led four Tritons in double figures, finishing with 19 points and nine rebounds. Roberts added 14 points and six boards, Hadley knocked down four 3-pointers and contributed 14, and Everman scored 10 in the win.
UC San Diego shot 60% on the night, hitting 27 of 45 field goal tries. The Tritons scored 36 points in the paint, 20 points off turnovers, and 33 points off the bench in Saturday's victory.
UC San Diego will hit the road for its final three games of the regular season. The Tritons will visit Cal State East Bay on Thursday night, Feb. 20. Game time is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. from Hayward.
About UC San Diego Athletics
With 30 national team championships, nearly 150 individual titles and the top student-athlete graduation rate among Division II institutions in the United States, the UC San Diego intercollegiate athletics program annually ranks as one of the most successful in the country. The Tritons sponsor 23 intercollegiate sport programs that compete on the NCAA Division I and II levels and, in summer 2020, will transition into full Division I status as a member of the Big West Conference. UC San Diego student-athletes exemplify the academic ideals of one of the world's preeminent institutions, graduating at an average rate of 91 percent. A total of 82 Tritons have earned Academic All-America honors, while 37 have earned prestigious NCAA Post Graduate Scholarships. In competition, more than 1,300 UC San Diego student-athletes have earned All-America honors.
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