Small’s 32 Points Help Carry CS Fullerton Over Fresno State

Joe Small scored a season-high 32 points, including 10 during a 1 1/2-minute stretch of the second half, to lead Cal State Fullerton to a 91-88 victory over Fresno State in a Big West Conference basketball opener Wednesday night before 9,867 in the Selland Arena.

The Titans (8-2) trailed, 68-57, midway through the second half when Small scored 10 unanswered points to bring Fullerton to within 68-67 with 7:54 remaining.

The Titans took the lead two minutes later on Bruce Bowen’s follow shot that made it 71-70, and they were able to stay ahead thanks to some strong inside play by Aaron Wilhite, who had 17 points, and Agee Ward, who added 12, and some clutch free-throw shooting.

The Titans made 21 of 25 free throws, including eight of their last nine foul shots in the last two minutes to secure the victory.

Fullerton Coach John Sneed called his last timeout with 11:25 remaining and Fullerton trailing, 65-54. His instructions to his players: Get the ball to Small.

Small, who entered with a 22.1 average, immediately made a three-point shot and, after Dave Bennett sank a basket and a free throw, Small reeled off his 10 straight points.

The victory was Sneed’s first in Selland Arena and Fullerton’s first since 1987.

Tod Bernard scored 24 points and Dave Barnett added 22 for Fresno State, which dropped to 5-5.