Fullerton’s Slowdown Strategy Results in a Loss to Utah State

Utah State, playing without leading scorer Jay Goodman, beat Cal State Fullerton, playing without center Aaron Wilhite, 74-63, Thursday night before 5,344 in the Spectrum.

Utah State, which ended a three-game losing streak, wanted to run at every opportunity, as it always does.

Fullerton, losers of three in a row, wanted to slow it down, which it rarely does.

Without Wilhite, sidelined with a bruised knee, and Ron Caldwell, suspended for missing practice, Fullerton has been short-handed.

And in order to keep Fullerton’s seven-man rotation fresh in the 4,900-foot altitude, Coach John Sneed wanted the Titans to take it slow and easy.

It was a sound game plan, but it looked a little strange to Utah State center Randy Funk. The last time the teams played, Fullerton outran Utah State, 93-91.

“When they came down the first time and stood around I thought, ‘Is this the same team?’ ” Funk said.

The Titans came within four points three times late, the last at 67-63 with 1:05 left. But Utah State (8-11, 5-5) made five of six free throws and a layup at the buzzer.

It was Fullerton’s sixth loss in the past seven games. The Titans fall to 11-9, 4-7 in the Big West.

Guard Joe Small had 24 points for the Titans. Kendall Youngblood led the Aggies with 23 points.