Utah Is Too Strong for Fullerton, 87-59

Cal State Fullerton hadn’t won against Utah since 1988, and there was no reason to think that this time would be different, especially in front of 12,738 fans in Huntsman Center at Salt Lake City.

It wasn’t.

The 16th-ranked Utes, coming off a season in which they advanced to the NCAA West Regional championship game, had too much strength inside for Fullerton, and turned back the Titans, 87-59, Saturday in the season opener for both teams.

Utah had a 65-32 rebounding advantage. Alex Jensen got a career-high 16, and Michael Doleac and Hanno Mottola each had 11. Andre Miller had 19 points.

Chris Dade and Chris St. Clair, Fullerton’s two fifth-year senior guards, had off nights. Dade was four for 13 from the field and finished with 13 points. St. Clair was three for 12 for 10 points.

“Our two seniors go seven for 25,” Titan Coach Bob Hawking said. “I can’t explain that.”