CS Fullerton Draws the Line, Loses to Utah

Had they not shot free throws so poorly, the Cal State Fullerton Titans could be in much better shape as they start a two-game swing through Colorado next week.

The Titans (1-3) came within 15 feet . . . and 15 feet . . . and 15 feet . . . of upsetting Utah on Saturday in Titan Gym. But, being that each Fullerton trip to the free-throw line was an adventure, the Titans’ last-minute rally fell short, 76-73.

The Titans played tough defense, ran a press as well as they have all year and figured out ways to break Winston Peterson (24 points, 11 rebounds) and Darren Little (21 points) loose inside against the significantly taller Utes.

But the Titans missed five of 10 first-half free throws and eight of 25 in the second half. In all, they shot only 62.9% (22 of 35) from the free-throw line.

“Foul shooting is plaguing a lot of teams across the nation and, right now, we’re one of them,” Titan Coach Brad Holland said. “It’s not a lack of practice. I think we’re going to be a pretty good foul-shooting team, eventually.

“Foul shooting wins you games and loses you games.”

Utah (5-2) didn’t have a field goal in the game’s final 5:33, but the Utes didn’t need one. They made all 12 free throws down the stretch and were 28 of 31 (90.3%) overall.

Fullerton trailed by as many as 12 in the first half before going on an 11-2 run to cut the deficit to 66-63 with 2:51 to play, but Josh King’s turnover and a lane violation with 1:12 remaining cut their rally short.