MERCED, Calif. – Elijah Charles recorded one of the best individual performances in program history to lead the University of California, Merced men's basketball team to an 86-69 win over Cal State LA on Thursday night inside the Joseph Edward Gallo Gymnasium. The Bobcats (10-13, 8-11) win marked their fifth consecutive home win dating back to January 17.
Charles tallied a career-high 36 points on 73% (14-19) shooting, a career-high 16 rebounds, and added two blocks. The senior registered the Bobcats first 35-15 double-double since Aki Chambers on February 13, 2013, and the first 35-15 double-double in the CCAA since at least the 2015-16 season. Charles' 36 points are tied for the second most in program history, while his 16 rebounds are tied for the third most. Also of note, both of those single-game totals are the second highest of any CCAA player this year. His top double-double of his career is his 14th overall, tying Jaron Mertle for the third most in program history. Also of note, Charles shot 89% (8-9) from the free throw line in the win. He had 26 points and seven rebounds in the first half.
Cyprus Graham made a major impact on both ends of the floor with a career-high 20 points and career-high five steals. He is the first CCAA player this season with that output and one of just four in program history: Cameron Brown, George Idehen, Aki Chambers. Graham scored his 20 points on 75% (9-12) shooting. The Indio, Calif., native had 16 points and four steals in the second half alone. He also contributed three rebounds and two assists.
Jaden Hubbard scored 16 points on 50% (5-10) shooting. He knocked down three three-point field goals on his way to his fourth straight double-figure scoring output and his sixth in the last seven games.
Jon Taylor tied his career-high with five assists to go along with five points and two rebounds.
Pawllos Habtom grabbed nine rebounds, tied his career-high with six assists, and scored four points.
Other notables include four rebounds and two steals from Myles Haynes and three rebounds and a block from Austin Dewes.
UC Merced finished the night shooting 55.9% from the floor and 80% (16-20) from the free throw line. The Bobcats field goal percentage was their second highest of the season. UC Merced outrebounded Cal State LA 40-23.
Charles scored the Bobcats first six points of the night and his third field goal put his squad in front for the first time, 6-5 three minutes into the game. He scored 17 of the Bobcats first 19 as UC Merced led 19-17 midway through the half.
Taylor buried a triple at the 9:21 mark to give the Bobcats the first two-possession lead of the night for either team, 22-17. UC Merced's lead was between 4-8 points for the next five minutes before hitting double-digits, 37-24 with 4:23 to play before intermission. Head coach Gary Stewart and the Bobcats led 44-33 at halftime.
Cal State LA opened the second half with a 5-0 spurt to pull within two possessions but that was as close as the opponent got the rest of the way.
A little later, UC Merced created separation with a 13-0 run over a three-minute stretch capped by a Graham steal and slam. Hubbard had five points in the surge that put UC Merced up 62-42 with 12 and a half minutes left. Cal State LA scored the next seven points but UC Merced was able to halt any Golden Eagles momentum and still led by 13+ the remainder of the night.
UC Merced led by 19 points, 73-54, inside of eight minutes after another good couple minutes for Graham. The Bobcats lead was 18 points inside of three minutes to seal the win, ultimately winning 86-69.
UC Merced has led by 13+ points for the final 15 minutes in two of their last three home games.
Also of note, UC Merced tallied 17 assists on Thursday night which was the third highest assists total of the campaign.
The Bobcats scored 80+ points for the eighth time this year, tying the most 80-point games in program history.
Up next, UC Merced will host Cal State Dominguez Hills for Senior Day on Saturday, February 21 at 3:00pm inside the Joseph Edward Gallo Gymnasium.
