Coggins scores 20 as Fullerton defeats Santa Barbara 65-54

FULLERTON, Calif. (AP) - Tre’ Coggins scored 20 points with five 3-pointers as Cal State-Fullerton defeated UC Santa Barbara 65-54 on Thursday night.

Coggins hit his first 3 a little over a minute into the game, sparking a getaway 16-4 run as Fullerton grabbed an early double-digit lead. Santa Barbara came as close as 35-32 on a Clifton Powell drive early in the second half, but Lionheart Leslie answered with a jumper on the other end. The Gauchos threatened again when JD Slajchert scored to make it 41-39 but Leslie again responded with an answering score.

Fullerton began to open its lead in the last five minutes, helped by a Coggins trey and a layup.

Kyle Allman added 11 points and Leslie had eight rebounds, eight points, six assists and four steals for the Titans (15-13, 9-6 Big West).

Powell led Santa Barbara (5-22, 3-12) with 14 points.