Fullerton Reserves Play Well in Defeat

Agee Ward and Joe Small, Cal State Fullerton’s leading scorers, were on the bench in street clothes, and altogether four Titan starters weren’t on the court for the tip-off. But a group that included some seldom-used reserves far exceeded expectations Thursday night in a 63-60 loss to New Mexico State in front of 8,832 in the Pan American Center.

“I’m really proud of the way my substitutes played,” Coach John Sneed said. “That was as good a team effort as we’ve had all year.”

Ward missed the game because of muscle spasms in his back, and Small has been ill. Center Sean Williams didn’t start because he also has been ill, and point guard Aaron Sunderland was benched for missing practice Monday.

That left Bruce Bowen, who led the Titans with 16 points, as the only regular in the lineup. He was joined by Kim Kemp, Brian Wood, Kevin Ahsmuhs and Todd Satalowich. Wood and Satalowich had not started this season. Together, the starting five was averaging 21.7 points.

Fullerton (12-15, 8-10) held a seven-point lead at halftime after the Aggies shot 20% in the first half. New Mexico State (19-7, 11-6) shot 45.8% in the second half, and took the lead for good, 57-55, with 1:25 remaining when Cliff Reed dunked after taking a pass from Sam Crawford. Crawford didn’t start because he has been ill, but he played 29 minutes. William Benjamin led New Mexico State with 17 points.