SOUTHLAND

New Mexico State 80, Cal State Fullerton 65--The Titans were playing their first game since freshman guard Rodney Anderson was critically wounded in a shooting Thursday and were no match for the Aggies.

It was also the final game for Fullerton Coach Bob Hawking, who announced his resignation at season’s end.

It was the 11th consecutive loss for the Titans (8-19, 3-13 in the Big West), who finished last in the conference’s Western Division. New Mexico State improved to 20-8 and 11-5 in the conference.

“The last two days have really been hard for us,” said Titan standout Ike Harmon, who led all scorers with 28 points. “But we felt like we had to stay strong for another strong player. When you play with a player every day, it’s a special friendship.”

When the Titan starting lineup was introduced, Harmon carried Anderson’s No. 4 jersey onto the court with him, holding it above his head when the others were introduced. Then the players gathered at center court with Anderson’s jersey held high in the middle of them. Each player wore wrist band with Anderson’s number.

Harmon put Anderson’s jersey on the back of a chair on the bench, and it was left vacant throughout the game.