DENVER (Interstat) — Cal State Fullerton built a massive first-half lead and cruised to a 105-86 men’s basketball victory over Denver on Saturday at Magness Arena. The Titans dominated the opening period, leading 51-28 at halftime. Denver’s second-half rally, outscoring Fullerton 58-54, was insufficient. Josh Ward led the Titans with 20 points, six rebounds and six assists in just 22 minutes. Christian Williams added 18 points and six rebounds. Jeremiah Burke scored 23 points for the Pioneers. Both teams are now 5-7 this season. The game’s total score went well over a pregame over/under line of 170. An announced crowd of 861 attended.

DENVER (Interstat) — In a stunning offensive display that defied pregame projections, Cal State Fullerton dismantled Denver 105-86 in a non-conference men’s basketball game Saturday at Magness Arena. The Titans, installed as 4.5-point underdogs with a win probability pegged at just 26.6 percent by analytics systems, flipped the script from the opening tip. They unleashed a historic first-half performance, building a 23-point lead by halftime and never letting the Pioneers within striking distance in the second half. The most critical phase of the game was its explosive start. Cal State Fullerton established immediate control with a blistering offensive clinic, shooting 56.3 percent from the field and a scorching 52.9 percent from 3-point range in the opening 20 minutes. Denver, conversely, was ice cold, managing only 28 first-half points on 10-of-31 shooting. The Titans’ 51-28 halftime advantage was built on a foundation of unselfish ball movement and stifling defense, forcing eight Denver turnovers which they converted into easy scoring opportunities. Josh Ward, the Titans’ top star, spearheaded the attack with a hyper-efficient 20 points, six rebounds and six assists in just 22 minutes. His backcourt mate, Christian Williams, added 18 points, six rebounds, four assists and a block. The Titans’ offensive balance was overwhelming, with five players scoring in double figures. Bryce Cofield contributed 19 points, Jefferson De La Cruz Monegro had 17, and Jaden Henderson chipped in 11. Denver’s offense, which came alive for 58 points in the second half, was led by Jeremiah Burke’s 23 points and six rebounds. Zane Nelson added 17 points, and Julius Rollins finished with 13. However, the Pioneers’ defensive shortcomings and early offensive drought proved insurmountable. They were out-assisted 9-3 and gave up 25 fast-break points to the Titans’ seven, highlighting Cal State Fullerton’s transition dominance. Statistically, the Titans were superior in nearly every facet. They shot 56.3 percent from the field compared to Denver’s 45.6 percent, and were markedly better from beyond the arc, hitting 16 of 31 attempts. Denver made 10 of 28 from deep. Cal State Fullerton also capitalized at the free-throw line, making 17 of 23, while Denver went 14 for 22. The Titans’ offensive rating of 133.0 on 79 possessions dwarfed the Pioneers’ 111.0 on 77 possessions. The victory levels both teams’ records at 5-7 this season. For Cal State Fullerton, it marks a significant road win following a 1-7 stretch after a 4-0 start. Denver, coming off two decisive home wins against lower-division opponents, saw its momentum halted decisively. The total score of 191 points sailed well over the pregame over/under line of 170. Cal State Fullerton travels to face Oklahoma State on Dec. 21. Denver will look to rebound at home against UCCS on Tuesday.

Preview: Cal State Fullerton Titans at Denver Pioneers DENVER (Interstat) — Two teams seeking momentum before the holiday break will meet Saturday when the Cal State Fullerton Titans visit the Denver Pioneers in non-conference men’s basketball at Magness Arena. Both teams enter with identical 4-6 records, though Cal State Fullerton (4-7) has played one more game. The Titans are coming off a dominant 116-66 victory over Bethesda on Wednesday, a game in which Landon Seaman scored 25 points in just 19 minutes. The sophomore guard has been a consistent offensive force, averaging 17.1 points over his last eight contests. Denver (4-6) also routed a lower-division opponent in its last outing, defeating Colorado Christian 95-59 on Tuesday. Pioneers guard Carson Johnson led the way with 20 points and four assists, continuing his role as the team’s primary scorer. Johnson averages a team-high 18.2 points per game and has scored in double figures in every contest this season. The matchup pits Cal State Fullerton’s high-octane offense against a Denver team looking to establish consistency. The Titans have scored 88 or more points in five games but have also shown defensive vulnerabilities, allowing 94 points in a loss to Cal Poly last week. Denver’s results have been a mix of narrow wins, like an 83-81 victory at Colorado State, and lopsided road losses to power conference opponents Arizona and Wyoming. For Cal State Fullerton, secondary scoring behind Seaman will be key. Jefferson De La Cruz Monegro dished out seven assists against Bethesda, and Josh Ward added 17 points. Denver will counter with a supporting cast that includes Logan Kinsey, who had 21 points in the last game, and Shaun Wysocki. This game represents a final tune-up against a Division I peer for both squads before each faces a tough road test next week. The Titans visit Oklahoma State on Dec. 21, while Denver hosts UCCS on Dec. 16 before traveling to Northern Colorado. Saturday’s tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. Mountain Time at Magness Arena.