LONG BEACH, Calif. (Interstat) — In a game defined by a dramatic second-half reversal, Cal State Fullerton erased a seven-point halftime deficit to edge Long Beach State 86-82 in a Big West Conference men’s basketball clash on Thursday night at the Walter Pyramid.

The visiting Titans, who improved to 13-13 overall and 7-6 in conference play, were propelled by a dominant defensive effort after the break, holding the 49ers to just 34 points on 29.2% shooting in the second half. Long Beach State, which fell to 8-17 and 3-10, had built a 48-41 lead by halftime behind an efficient offensive performance but could not sustain it against a more aggressive Fullerton squad.

The most critical sequence of the game unfolded in the final minute. With Cal State Fullerton clinging to an 83-82 lead, Long Beach State’s Gavin Sykes was fouled on a three-point attempt with 42 seconds remaining. Sykes missed the first free throw, then made the second to keep the deficit at one. On the ensuing possession, the Titans’ Josh Ward drew a foul and calmly sank both free throws with 16 seconds left, pushing the lead to 85-82.

Long Beach State’s final chance to tie evaporated when Sykes committed a turnover with four seconds remaining. Ward was fouled again and made one of two free throws to seal the four-point victory, capping a 45-point second half for the Titans.

Ward, a guard from Memphis, Tennessee, led all scorers with 22 points and added seven assists, orchestrating the Titan offense throughout the contest. His backcourt mate, Jefferson De La Cruz Monegro of Lasalle, Canada, contributed 12 points. Forward Bryce Cofield of Chatsworth, California, provided a crucial interior presence with 18 points, including several key baskets during the second-half comeback, and added a block and three steals.

Long Beach State was led by Petar Majstorovic of Sombor, Serbia, who scored 22 points. Guard Shaquil Bender of Philadelphia added 12 points and three assists. The 49ers were hampered by 14 turnovers, which the Titans converted into 23 points, while Long Beach State managed only six points off 10 Titan turnovers.

Statistically, the game was a contrast in styles. Cal State Fullerton attempted 22 more field goals than Long Beach State, offsetting a lower shooting percentage (46.9% to 55.8%) by dominating the offensive glass 8-3 and forcing those extra possessions. The Titans also capitalized at the free-throw line, making 18 of 22 attempts compared to 17 of 23 for the 49ers.

The win completed a regular-season sweep for Cal State Fullerton, which defeated Long Beach State 71-61 at home on Jan. 22. It also marked a significant road victory as the Titans continue to jockey for position in the Big West standings ahead of the conference tournament.

The announced attendance at the Walter Pyramid was 2,134.

Cal State Fullerton travels to face UC Irvine on Saturday. Long Beach State heads to UC Davis for its next contest, also on Saturday.