Fullerton Wins on Last-Second Free Throws

Cal State Fullerton’s Richard Morton was fouled on a shot with one second remaining and made both free throws to give the Titans a 61-59 victory over New Mexico State in a Pacific Coast Athletic Assn. game Thursday night before 1,303 fans at Titan Gym.

New Mexico State had tied the score, 59-59, on a three-point play by Willie Joseph with 1:30 remaining.

Fullerton ran the shot clock down on its next possession, and Morton missed a shot as the clock ran out. But in a scramble for the rebound, New Mexico State knocked the ball out of bounds, giving the Titans another chance with 42 seconds remaining.

Morton drove and was fouled by Curtis Terrell.

“I felt good then,” said Morton, who has made 84% of his free throws this season.

Morton finished with 20 points for the Titans, as did Henry Turner.

“We beat a team that plays outstanding defense,” said George McQuarn, Fullerton coach. “You look at how difficult it is for us to score ordinarily and this just magnifies it. I’m real happy with this win.”

Fullerton (10-16 overall, 6-11 in PCAA play) moved into eighth place in the conference with the victory.

Terrell and Johnny Roberson each scored 11 for New Mexico State (16-14, 8-9).