Czechs Finally Win a Game, Thanks to Titans

The Czechoslovakian National Team came to the United States for a 10-game exhibition tour and lost its first 9 games.

But after a 92-83 exhibition victory over Cal State Fullerton in front of 500 Sunday in Titan Gym, the Czechs will leave for home today with a 1-9 record.

“We know we made their season,” said Fullerton forward Cedric Ceballos, who led all scorers with 29 points. “They get to go home with a win. We didn’t want them to. We didn’t want to be the only team they beat.”

Czechoslovakia lost to Wyoming, UC Santa Barbara, UC Irvine, Stanford, Fresno State, USC, Pepperdine, Arizona State and Loyola Marymount.

Loyola had given the Czechs their latest loss Friday night, taking a 129-126 decision despite playing without its top 3 scorers.

“This doesn’t count against our record. We wanted it to be a learning experience,” Fullerton Coach John Sneed said. “They’re a better team than their record. . . . Look at who they played. I give them credit. They’re not a bad ballclub.”

Czechoslovakia beat Fullerton with a combination of the inside play of Oto Maticky, who scored 22 points, and good 3-point shooting, making 9 of 18 attempts.

“I think the game definitely exposed the areas we need to work on,” said Sneed, adding that the Titans will spend plenty of time in practice on halfcourt defense.

Ceballos, who played all but 4 minutes despite being ill, led all scorers with 29 points, making 12 of 28 shots, including 2 of 3 from 3-point range.

Derek Jones added 21 points on 10-of-13 shooting.

Czechoslovakia took a 45-41 lead at halftime, stretching it to 8 points with 7 minutes left on consecutive 3-point baskets.

After trailing by as many as 10, Fullerton cut the lead to 4 on a driving basket by freshman point guard Wayne Williams with 29 seconds left. Williams was fouled but missed the free throw, and Czechoslovakia held on.

Williams, who is in a battle with junior Marlon Vaughn for the starting point guard position, scored 10 points and had 7 assists in 17 minutes.

Vaughn started the game, and had 4 points and 2 assists in 23 minutes.

“(Williams) surprised me today, the way he played,” Sneed said. “He’s going to be a very good ballplayer. Wayne has got the ability to really make things happen in the open court.”

In addition to Ceballos, Jones and Vaughn, Mark Hill started at off-guard and John Sykes started at center.

Fullerton, which lost its top 6 scorers from last season’s 12-17 team, has been picked to finish near the bottom of the Big West Conference.