Fullerton Misses Chance for Clincher

Cal State Fullerton’s home-court magic disappeared Thursday night when the Titans really needed it.

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo made 11 of 23 three-point shots and won, 90-80, to stay in the running for the final spot in the Big West Conference postseason tournament that Fullerton could have clinched with a victory before 852.

It was Fullerton’s second loss in 12 games in Titan Gym and the first road victory for Cal Poly since Jan. 23.

Fullerton, 13-12 overall and 7-8 in the conference, is one game ahead of Cal Poly (11-15, 6-9) in the Western Division going into Saturday’s regular-season finales. Fullerton will play host to UC Santa Barbara, the top team in the division, and the Mustangs play at last-place UC Irvine.

If Fullerton and Cal Poly finish in a tie, the Mustangs would get the tournament berth based on their two victories against the Titans.

“It’s tough to lose one like that, when it’s one you need,” Titan senior forward Mark Richardson said. “You’d think when you out-rebound a team by seven, you should win, but Cal Poly had too many guns for us.”

The Mustangs shot 46.9% from the field. Jabbar Washington led the way with 19 points.

Ike Harmon, who did not start because of flu, led the Titans with 22 points.