Fullerton Rallies, Only to Fall Short

In three games this season, Cal State Fullerton has been uneven.

Which explains why the Titans found themselves with the ball, down by three, attempting to complete a wild comeback with 1:25 to play at St. Mary’s College on Friday night.

It also explains guard Danny Robinson, racing across midcourt, getting tangled in a Gael trap and losing the basketball out of bounds, effectively sealing St. Mary’s 78-75 victory before 2,192.

“We’re getting there, but it’s real early,” guard James French said. “I think it’s just a matter of experience now.”

The Titans trailed by as many as 17 in the first half before pulling to one. They trailed by as many as 16 in the second half before trimming the margin to three.

The key for the Gaels was their accuracy. While they were out-rebounded 41-25 and had 21 turnovers to Fullerton’s 22, they made 53.7% of their shots, including 38.9% of their three-pointers.

Forward A.J. Rollins had 16 points and guard Martell Bland added 11. Fullerton was led by Greg Vernon’s 16, French’s 11 and Winston Peterson’s 10.

“Those are growing pains,” Titan Coach Brad Holland said.

Fullerton is 1-2, St. Mary’s 5-0.