Fullerton Notches a Victory Over a No. 1-Ranked Team

For Cal State Fullerton, it wasn’t a victory over Arkansas, or even the No. 1 team in NCAA Division II or III. But the Titans did knock off Oklahoma Baptist, the NAIA’s No. 1-ranked team, 85-71, in front of 630 in Titan Gym Thursday night.

The Titans (2-6) trailed by as many as 14 in the first half before finally taking the lead for good on Josh King’s jump shot with 9:56 to play.

“We beat a good basketball team,” Fullerton Coach Brad Holland said. “They could be a contender in a lot of Division I conferences. They’re a senior team that plays well, plays together and plays smart.

“I feel good about beating a No. 1-ranked team, even if it’s NAIA. That team is a Division I team all the way.”

Oklahoma Baptist (12-2), which had already defeated Oregon State and lost to Brigham Young by only two this season, was within five with only 1:13 to play before finally running out of gas--and players. Three Bison players fouled out in the final seven minutes.

Darren Little had his best game at Fullerton with 19 points. Robbie Powell had 21 for Oklahoma Baptist.

“With them coming down on me with triples, for (Little) to step up and get the open shot was good,” said Fullerton’s Winston Peterson, who finished with 12 points and nine rebounds.