Titans Beat High Five America in High-Scoring Exhibition

Cal State Fullerton won its first men’s basketball exhibition game of the season Tuesday night in overtime, but the Titans didn’t have their defense to thank.

It was a trouble spot most of the night in Titan Gym, but some timely scoring carried the Titans to a 123-116 victory over High Five America, a collection of former college players.

Mark Richardson scored three consecutive baskets, and Ike Harmon made two free throws with five seconds left to lift Fullerton in the overtime. Harmon led the Titans with 32 points, including 16 free throws in 23 attempts, and Richardson had 22 points.

Two freshmen, Brandon Campbell and Josh Helbig, had good efforts in their first college game. Campbell was seven of 10 from the floor and two of three on three-point shots to finish with 19. Helbig had 12 points. Point guard Kenroy Jarrett had 15, going six of seven from the floor.

“We know we need to work on a lot of areas with as many new players as we have,” Titan Coach Bob Hawking said. Each team had 30 turnovers, and Hawking wasn’t pleased with the defense, but the Titans shot 58% from the floor.

“We’ve had only 14 practice sessions, and we need to get a more concerted effort on defense,” Hawking said. “And we’re still short-handed from a depth standpoint.”

Junior guard Mark Murphy hasn’t been cleared to play because of a broken bone in his left hand, and freshman forward Josh Fischer has been sidelined by mononucleosis. “Hopefully we’ll get both of them back next week,” Hawking said.