Irvine Defeats CS Fullerton in Overtime

UC Irvine, which lost six straight games to Orange County rival Cal State Fullerton despite the presence of such players as Johnny Rogers and Tod Murphy, completed a 1987 sweep of the Titans Saturday night.

Losers of four straight games and depleted by injury, the Anteaters rose dramatically and surprisingly before a Bren Center crowd of 4,522 to upset Fullerton, 78-69, in overtime.

Led by Scott Brooks, who had a three-point field goal and four free throws in the extra period, Irvine (12-12, 7-8) recorded its second victory in a month over Fullerton (13-10, 6-8). The Anteaters beat the Titans at Fullerton on Jan. 15, 76-70.

This time, the Anteaters needed help. Fullerton, down by six with 1:10 to play in regulation, rallied to tie on a hanging jump shot at the free-throw line by reserve guard Eugene Jackson with five seconds remaining. Jackson was fouled by Brooks on the shot, sending him to the foul line win a chance to win the game after an Irvine timeout.

A 35.7% foul shooter in conference, Jackson had converted just 2 of his previous 11 free throws.

This one also failed, kicking off the front of the rim and into the hands of Irvine guard Kevin Floyd. Floyd hurried an outlet pass to Brooks, who tossed up a 30-footer that beat the clock but didn’t beat Fullerton. The shot was long, bringing on overtime.

The Anteaters immediately fell behind, 69-66, in the extra period, with Brooks missing the front end of a one-and-one situation. But, with 3:47 left, Brooks attempted a three-pointer from the right side. The ball went in, out, danced above the rim and finally fell through, forcing yet another tie at 69-69.

Irvine forward Frank Woods gave the Anteaters the lead with a 10-footer from the right side, and then the Titans, scrambling, started to foul. They sent Brooks to the line for four shots and Woods for two. Brooks made all four and Woods hit one to clinch the victory.

Irvine played 45 minutes and used just six players, Mike Doktorczyk serving as the lone reserve. The Anteaters were playing with just nine healthy players--with Joe Buchanan, Rob Doktorczyk and Mark Warren all out with illness or injury.

Brooks led Irvine with 21 points, followed by Woods with 17, Wayne Engelstad with 13 and Floyd with 11.

Fullerton received 22 from Richard Morton, 12 from Alexander Hamilton and 10 apiece from Henry Turner and Herman Webster. Turner left the game with 4:07 left in regulation with an injured ankle and never returned.