Another Comeback Nets Titans Victory

For the third time in three games, Cal State Fullerton dug itself a hole Thursday night, falling behind by 14 points in the second half.

This time, the Titans were able to erase the deficit and gain a 68-66 victory over the University of San Diego on Derek Jones’ leaning, one-handed 12-foot jump shot with 2 seconds left.

Comebacks have become routine for the Titans (2-1). They beat Utah by 2 points after trailing by 13, and lost to Pepperdine by 4 after falling 15 behind.

“I didn’t want this again,” Titan Coach John Sneed said. “I’m getting tired of these comebacks. But it shows the type of kids we have.”

Jones’ shot was set up by a steal by freshman guard Wayne Williams with 33 seconds left. Fullerton called time and held the ball until 10 seconds remained, trying to set up a shot for Cedric Ceballos, who scored 18 points.

But Ceballos was covered, so Jones faked left and drove.

Fullerton used an 11-0 surge early in the game to go up, 15-4, but let the lead evaporate late in the half. San Diego went on a 16-0 run in the final 3 minutes of the first half and the first 3 of the second half, taking a 43-29 lead.

Fullerton then outscored San Diego, 23-8, to take a 52-51 lead with 8 minutes left.

Fullerton went up by 4 when Mark Hill completed a 3-point play after picking up a loose ball, scoring and drawing a foul.

Fullerton’s lead was 5 with 3:32 remaining, but then San Diego scored 6 points on a single possession, taking a 64-63 with 2:23 left.

The Toreros accomplished that after an intentional foul was called on Hill, defending against Dondi Bell on a fast break. Bell made both shots, then scored on the awarded possession and was fouled. He missed the free throw, but Kelvin Woods got the rebound and was fouled, making both free throws.

San Diego (3-2) took a 66-64 lead on a basket by Kelvin Woods inside. Woods was fouled by John Sykes on the play but missed the free throw. Fullerton tied the score when San Diego was called for goaltending on a shot by Jones with 1:16 left.