Anaheim, CA -- (Sports Network) - Josh Akognon exploded for 37 points for Cal State Fullerton, as the seventh-seeded Titans defeated the sixth-seeded UC Riverside Highlanders in first round action of the Big West Conference Tournament at Anaheim Convention Center Arena.

Akognon, who was tabbed Big West Player of the Year, finished 14-of-22 from the field, and that included an impressive 9-of-15 clip from long range. As for the rest of the Titans (15-16), they combined for 22 points.

Brandon Dowdy was the only player in double-figures for UCR (17-13), as the guard posted 17 points in the loss.

The Titans shot a strong 46.2 percent from the floor in the opening half and went into the lock room with a slim, 28-26 lead.

Fullerton used more of a defensive approach in the second stanza, holding the Highlanders to a pathetic 27.6 percent shooting effort, en route to the 13- point win.

The Titans made 12-of-29 attempts from behind the arc in the contest, while UC Riverside connected on just 6-of-20 shots from long range.

CS Fullerton will now move on to the quarterfinals and will take on the fourth-seeded UC Santa Barbara Gauchos.