Fullerton Beats Northridge in Hawking’s Debut, 80-71

Cal State Fullerton got Bob Hawking’s college head coaching career off to a winning start Tuesday night.

It wasn’t flashy and it wasn’t easy, but the Titans held on for an 80-71 victory over Hawking’s alma mater, Cal State Northridge, in Titan Gymnasium.

“You always remember your first win on any level and I’ll remember this one,” Hawking said. “And it was great for the kids and for the staff to start out with a ‘W.’ ”

Only 674 fans turned out for it, however, underlining again that Hawking and his players have their work cut out trying to build interest in a team rated last in the Big West Conference in the preseason poll of coaches.

The Titans took control of the game with a run of 10 points late in the second half, then turned back a Northridge stretch run with three free throws by junior guard Chuck Overton.

Northridge, which was beaten by UCLA in its opener, fell to 0-2.

Guard Chris St. Clair and center Winston Peterson, both coming off the bench as Hawking tried many combinations, led the Titans with 15 points each.

“I was pleased with both of them,” Hawking said.

Overton, a junior college transfer from Salt Lake City, added 14.

Senior guard Ryan Martin led Northridge with 21 points and center Peter Micelli added 13.