Ballard, Rogers lead Cal Poly past Cal State Fullerton in OT

Jan 31, 2021, 05:37 am

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. -- Sophomore Junior Ballard poured in a career-high 32 points and freshman Colby Rogers made a layup at the buzzer in overtime to spark Cal Poly to a 101-100 victory over Cal State Fullerton on Thursday night.

Ballard nailed 9 of 12 shots from the floor, including 3 of 5 from 3-point range, and sank 11 of 14 free throws for the Mustangs (5-15, 2-4 Big West Conference). Keith Smith added 17 points, seven rebounds and four assists, while Rogers finished with 16 points on 7-of-9 shooting. Jamal Smith scored 11 before fouling out.

Cal Poly led 93-88 with 10 seconds left in regulation, but Austen Awosika hit a 3-pointer with 2 seconds remaining and sank a jumper off a turnover at the buzzer to send the game to overtime. Smith made 1 of 2 free throws with 22 seconds to go in overtime to give the Mustangs a 99-98 lead. Awosika buried a jumper with 4 seconds left to give the Titans (8-14, 3-4) a one-point lead, setting the stage for Rogers' game-winner.

Jackson Rowe scored a career-high 32 and grabbed 11 rebounds to pace Cal State Fullerton. Awosika added a career-best 30 points. The pair combined to make 21 of 33 shots from the floor. Brandon Kamga finished with 16 points, while Wayne Arnold scored 14 off the bench.

---

For more AP college basketball coverage: https://apnews.com/Collegebasketball and http://twitter.com/AP-Top25