Cal State Fullerton Brought Down to Earth

BOULDER, Colo. —  Painted onto the court in front of the visitors’ bench at the Coors Events Center are the words “5345 Feet Above Sea Level.”

But in keeping with an early pattern, what stopped Cal State Fullerton in a 79-69 loss to Colorado on Tuesday was the Titans’ inexperience--not the thin air.

Offensive breakdowns resulted in the Titans (1-4) shooting a frigid 34.8% from the field, defensive breakdowns led to early foul trouble and a lack of intensity in the second half finished off the Titans, who led, 31-30, at halftime and had visions of obtaining their first Division I victory of the season.

“I’ve never experienced this before, and neither have the guys on the team,” Titan Coach Brad Holland said. “All we can do is keep battling to come together and stay positive. This team is capable of being a good basketball team.”

Greg Vernon led Fullerton with 19 points, and Winston Peterson added 16 points and 14 rebounds in front of 1,897. Mark Dean scored 20 for Colorado (4-2).

The Buffaloes, coached by former Long Beach State coach Joe Harrington, took control by outscoring Fullerton, 14-3, at the beginning of the second half.

“I thought we struggled,” Harrington said. “We played pretty good for eight or nine minutes at the beginning of the second half, and that was the difference.”