Watson, Edo lead Fresno State past UC Irvine 72-63

FRESNO, Calif. (AP) Paul Watson scored 23 points, Karachi Edo added 21 with 10 rebounds and Fresno State defeated UC Irvine 72-63 on Wednesday night.

Marvelle Harris chipped in 14 points with eight rebounds for the Bulldogs (2-6). Watson also grabbed eight boards and Emmanuel Owootoah dished out five assists.

Fresno State was trailing by five at the midway mark in the first half, but stormed ahead with a 17-3 run sparked by a 3-pointer and two jumpers from Watson. Edo made a layup and then dunked to give the Bulldogs a 36-27 halftime lead.

UC Irvine (3-3) pulled within seven after Aaron Wright's three-point play with 8:20 remaining, but Watson answered right back with a 3. The Anteaters couldn't trim the deficit any further until putting together a late run with the game well in hand.

Will Davis II paced UC Irvine with 12 points and 10 rebounds.