Titans Can’t Overcome Utah State’s Big Lead

Cal State Fullerton spotted Utah State a 21-point second-half cushion and then tried to scramble back, but the Titans waited too long to go into high gear.

The Aggies turned back Fullerton’s late challenge and remained unbeaten in Big West play with an 84-73 victory Saturday night in Titan Gym.

“It took us too long to start the motor tonight,” Fullerton Coach Bob Hawking said afterward. “You can’t go down that far against a good team and get it done at the end.”

It was the seventh consecutive victory and ninth in the last 10 games for the Aggies (10-2). Utah State is 4-0 in conference play, with three of those victories coming on the road. Fullerton (4-8) fell to 2-2 in the conference.

The most telling statistic was Utah State’s 40-26 rebounding advantage, marking the eighth time in 12 games the Titans, who regularly play three guards, have been outrebounded.

Hawking also was particularly unhappy with his team’s defensive play, with the exception of holding the Aggies’ leading scorer, center Eric Franson, to 13 points.

“We were broken down individually and collectively by their players,” Hawking said. “I’m sure the team is disappointed with their defensive play tonight. It was not a good effort.”

Hawking felt the Aggies quickness was a factor. “They’re exceptionally quick, but we feel we’re quick too,” he said. “We felt like we were well-prepared for what they were going to do, but the results were no different when we were in the man-to-man or the zone.”

Guard Corwin Woodard led the Aggies with 23 points, hitting eight of 11 free throws. Reserve guard Covington Cormier added 15. Fransen had 13 points, but Hawking was pleased he was held to 10 shots.

“They made us look like a bunch of rookies,” Hawking said. “Their perimeter guys broke us down. I don’t care whether we’re overmatched or not, but we shouldn’t be overmatched from an effort standpoint.”

Center Winston Peterson had 19 points for the Titans, with James French adding 14 and Chris Dade 12. French, who has been struggling with his shooting all season, hit five of seven from the field, including four of five from three-point range.

The Aggies led by as much as 12 points late in the first half, but the Titans rallied to cut the deficit to 38-31 at halftime. Utah State roared back for nine straight points early in the second half and went on to lead by 21 before the Titans made their late rush.

The closest Fullerton came, however, was five points, 75-70, after a three-point basket by French and a tip-in by reserve David Harrison. At that point, Chris St. Clair missed a three-point try and the Aggies padded their lead at the end with free throws when the Titans were forced to foul.

Utah State shot 54.4% from the field, including 58% in the first half. Fullerton finished at 48.2% after hitting 50% in the second half.

“We can play better than we played tonight, but I’m sure Fullerton can play better than that too,” Utah State Coach Larry Eustachy said. “Of course, Fullerton had something to do with that. They didn’t give up in the second half when they could have. They certainly didn’t quit. They’ll beat some people here. That’s for sure.”

Eustachy said his team played its best basketball when the Aggies were able to open up the game with their quickness.

“When we had to play against their set defense we struggled,” he said. “Our zone was pretty effective most of the time, but maybe we stayed with it a little too long.”

Notes

Fullerton reserve forward DeVaughn Wright said Saturday he expects to be released from Las Cruces Memorial Medical Center today after being hospitalized for three days because of a partial intestinal blockage. Wright was admitted after the Titans’ game Wednesday night against New Mexico State. “I’m feeling a lot better now,” Wright said. . . . The Titans play Monday night at home against Nevada, their third game in six days.