Joseth Dawson scored 20 points including 6 in overtime
Saturday night to lead Sacramento State to a 78-71 non-conference victory
at Cal State Fullerton.
The Hornets improved to 2-1 while the Titans fell to 0-3 despite 20 points
by Pape Sow, 16 points by Bobby Brown and 8 points and a game-high 13
rebounds by Yaphett King.
Brandon Guyton added 16 points and DaShawn Freeman had 13 for the visitors,
who led for most of the game. Sacramento State hit 12 or 26 3-point field
goals with Guyton making 5 of 7 amd Dawson adding 4 of 10.
Dawson made one of two free throws to open overtime and the Hornets held
the lead for all 5 minutes. Guyton added a 3-pointer and E. J. Harris
made a jumper for a 66-60 advantage. The Titans got as close as 4 points
on three occasions but the Hornets hit 10 of 14 free throws in overtime
to hold off the Titans.
King forced overtime with a 3-pointer with 15 seconds remaining in regulation.
Dawson missed a potential game-winner just before the buzzer.
The Hornets and Titans have played four games in the past three seasons
and this is the third to go into overtime.
Fullerton was hurt by the loss of seniors Anthony Bolton (2:32 in regulation)
and Derick Andrew 4:42 of OT) to personal fouls and had to play two point
guards the rest of the way.
Both teams shot poorly in a 24-24 first half, the Hornets making 28 percent
and the Titans a little better at 32 percent. But Fullerton hit only 5
of 12 free throws and didn't get much better for the game, finishing 16
of 26 at the line.
Sacramento State held the biggest lead of the game at 8 points on three
occasions early in the second half. Fullerton caught them at 57-57 with
1:33 to play on a Sow free throw and then caught them again on King's
trey at 60-60.
Sacramento State hosts San Jose Christian on Tuesday night. Fullerton
plays at Peperdine on Monday night.
