Late rally not enough for Aggie men

HENDERSON, Nev. — A spirited second-half surge brought UC Davis within striking distance, but the Aggies could not overtake Cal State Fullerton, falling 82-70 Thursday night in the Big West Championship quarterfinal at Lee’s Family Forum.

Both teams opened sluggishly, yet the Titans found traction after intermission and steadily built a cushion that UCD could not erase. UC Davis amped up its defensive pressure after the break, recording nine steals and pouring in 44 second-half points, but every Aggie flurry was met with a Fullerton answer. The Titans sealed the win by converting 38 of 45 free throws.

The loss closes the books on UC Davis’ season at 19-14 overall and 11-9 in Big West play.

Senior forward Niko Rocak’s lone block of the night was the 154th of his career, tying the program record. Guard Connor Sevilla paced the Aggies with 20 points, while Marcus Wilson added 15 and Omer Suljanovic chipped in 10.

UC Davis exits the Big West after this tournament and will move to the Mountain West Conference on July 1; the football program will remain in the Big Sky.