Titans Waste Some Solid Defense, 58-46 : It Isn’t Really Needed in Win Over Poor-Shooting Fresno State

Most were in agreement that Cal State Fullerton played some of its best defense in weeks Saturday night against Fresno State. It seemed almost a shame to waste it.

Fullerton’s 58-46 victory in front of 2,948 spectators reminded Titan Coach George McQuarn of the team that he watched devastate opponents with defense back in December. But Fresno State hasn’t been a difficult team to defend lately.

The once-fierce Bulldogs are now the harmless cocker spaniels of the Pacific Coast Athletic Assn. Their defense still frustrates, but their offense leaves many points to be desired, especially away from home.

The Bulldogs entered the game with a four-game losing streak, and the knowledge that they are in grave danger of missing the PCAA postseason tournament for the first time in seven seasons. They left with their 10th straight road loss.

Fresno State hasn’t won on the road since its last visit to Fullerton on Feb. 8, 1986. The Bulldogs shot 26% percent in the first half and trailed by 26 points by the middle of the second.

Forward Henry Turner had 16 points and 14 rebounds, and guard Richard Morton had 14 points to lead Fullerton to its second straight win after six straight defeats. McQuarn didn’t particularly care that it came against a team that sets the standard in the PCAA for offensive ineptness.

“There’s nothing like winning,” McQuarn said.

Taking advantage of a Fresno cold streak in which the Bulldogs went more than six minutes without scoring, Fullerton went on a 14-0 spurt and led at halftime, 25-13.

Fresno went another seven minutes between field goals early in the second half as Fullerton built a 48-22 advantage.

“We had about an 8- to 10-minute spurt in the second half where we looked like the old Titans,” McQuarn said. “I liked our intensity. It’s still not where it was in December, but it’s better than it was.”