Fullerton Falters in Canada Too

It was a far cry from the typical season opener for Cal State Fullerton.

The Titans have played at Kansas State, Utah, Brigham Young and UCLA in their openers the last four years. But Fullerton tried something different Friday night.

The Titans played their first basketball game outside the United States, against Simon Fraser, an NCAA Division II team, but the trip to Burnaby, Canada, didn’t produce the victory they were seeking.

Simon Fraser wiped out a 10-point halftime deficit and surprised the Titans, 80-77.

Fullerton had a chance to tie the game with a three-pointer in the final seconds, but Mark Murphy didn’t get a good shot away against strong defensive pressure.

“I couldn’t get a good look,” Murphy said. “It always seems like there were a million other things I could have done, but it just didn’t go our way this time.”

It was the first time a Division I team had played in Chancellor Gymnasium. Simon Fraser (1-5) had played four other games against Division I teams previously on the road, and was beaten at New Mexico, Portland State, Utah State and Iowa State.

“It was a great atmosphere and opportunity for them, and they seized the moment,” Titan Coach Bob Hawking said. “We’re disappointed that we couldn’t get the win, but we didn’t play well enough for that to happen. We didn’t have the benefit of having a couple of run-through games, and that hurts.”

The Titans weren’t able to play exhibition games this season because of being on NCAA probation. However, Hawking said he had no regrets about his decision to play at Simon Fraser.

Leading Fullerton was senior forward Ike Harmon, who was nine of 17 from the field and three of four on three-point shots for 27 points.