Fullerton Finally Gets an Extra Game

RENO —  Cal State Fullerton’s Big West basketball tournament drought is over.

The Titans won their first game in the postseason playoffs since 1990 Friday, a 89-82 victory over Boise State, which had left the Titans drained of confidence after a two-point victory in Titan Gym in mid-January.

The win moves Fullerton (12-15) into today’s semifinal round against Eastern Division champion Utah State (23-7).

“This was somewhat of a revenge game for us,” Titan Coach Bob Hawking said. “We got beat at the buzzer at our place, so to have a second chance was great.”

The earlier loss to Boise State was Fullerton’s third by three or fewer points in four games.

The Titans turned the tables on Boise State (17-13) this time in front of 2,147 in Lawlor Center by shooting 53.2%--including a school-record 78% from three-point range--and playing an attacking man-to-man defense that devastated the Broncos in the first half.

“Fullerton really came after us,” Boise State forward Mike Tolman said. “When they come at you like that and you don’t accept the challenge, that’s what happens.”

Tolman scored 33 points and guard Roberto Bergersen 23.

The Broncos shot only 29% in the first half, and Fullerton led by 14 points at halftime. Boise State made a run in the second half, cutting the lead to five points with 9:58 to play.

Ike Harmon stuffed in a fast-break layup off a steal, and Craig Whitehead scored seven consecutive points, capped by a three-point shot that pushed Fullerton’s lead to 14 points at 69-55 with slightly more than five minutes remaining.

The Titans had five players in double figures, led by senior Chris Dade with 19 points. Whitehead finished with 14 points.