UC Santa Barbara hands Fresno State first defeat

Chris Devine scored 19 points, including nine in the first nine minutes of the second half at Santa Barbara, and the Gauchos defeated Fresno State, 70-42, Wednesday night.

The Gauchos (6-2) held the Bulldogs (7-1) to a season-low 28.3% shooting from the field and forced 17 turnovers.

Santa Barbara increased a 10-point lead after the first half to 51-30 midway through the second half.

Alex Harris scored 13 of his 18 points in the first half for the Gauchos. Hector Hernandez and Ja’Vance Coleman each finished with 13 points for the Bulldogs.

Sam Houston State 92, Loyola Marymount 77 -- Matthew Knight had 21 points and eight rebounds, but the Lions could not contain the Bearkats in the second half at Huntsville, Texas.

The Lions (6-4) trailed, 40-38, after the first half, but the Bearkats (6-3) shot nearly 70% in the second half.

Ryan Bright scored 17 points and Jejaun Plair had 16 for Sam Houston State.

Brandon Worthy scored 20 points for the Lions and backup Adoyah Miller scored 12, all on three-point baskets.

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USC junior guard Gabe Pruitt on Wednesday practiced with his teammates for the first time since Oct. 26 to prepare for a return from academic ineligibility that could come as soon as the Trojans’ game against Bethune-Cookman on Dec. 14.

Pruitt, whose 16.9 scoring average last season was second on the team, said his return could depend on how quickly his teachers turn in grades after his last final exam Dec. 12.

Coach Tim Floyd, who had barred Pruitt from practice until now so the player could focus on his schoolwork, said he would use Pruitt at both guard positions. If Pruitt can return by Dec. 14, he will have sat out only eight games.

-- Ben Bolch