Preview: Cal State Fullerton at UC San Diego

SAN DIEGO (Interstat) — A surging UC San Diego men’s basketball team looks to continue its strong start to conference play when it hosts struggling Cal State Fullerton in a Big West matchup Thursday night at RIMAC Arena.

The Tritons (12-3 overall) enter with significant momentum, having won 10 of their last 12 games. They are coming off an 83-73 home victory over Hawaii last Saturday, led by a 21-point performance from guard Alex Chaikin. Chaikin, averaging 17 points over his last three contests, has been a consistent offensive catalyst for a balanced UCSD attack.

In contrast, the Titans (6-10) have lost three of their last four, including an 86-64 home defeat to UC Irvine on Saturday. Cal State Fullerton has struggled defensively, allowing an average of 90 points per game in its last three losses.

The matchup hinges on UC San Diego’s formidable defense, which has held opponents to 67 points or fewer in five of its 12 wins, against a Cal State Fullerton offense reliant on guard Kiwane Garris. Garris is averaging 16.7 points per game over his last three outings, including a 19-point effort against UC Irvine.

UC San Diego’s depth presents a challenge. Beyond Chaikin, forward Bol Dengdit (19 points vs. Hawaii) and guard Tom Beattie, who dished out eight assists in the same game, provide multiple scoring threats. The Titans will need more production from supporting players like Christian Williams and Landon Seaman to keep pace.

The Tritons have excelled at home this season, boasting a 7-1 record at RIMAC. Cal State Fullerton is 1-6 in true road games, with its sole win coming at Denver on Dec. 13.

This game opens a critical two-game Southern California swing for the Titans, who host Cal State Northridge on Saturday. UC San Diego hits the road for a game at UC Riverside on Saturday.

Thursday’s contest tips off at 7 p.m. PST.