Cal State Fullerton 87 - South Dakota 85 (11/7/2023): Titans Edge Coyotes in Close Game

The Cal State Fullerton Titans squeezed out a narrow win against the South Dakota Coyotes, ending the game with a score of 87-85. The Titans now stand with a season record of 1-1. This was their first win on the road for this season.

On the other side, the Coyotes put up a tough fight, but fell short. With this loss, their record moves to 1-2. This game marked another challenging home encounter for them this season.

High-Scoring Showdown

Both teams displayed their offensive strengths. The Titans managed to score 87 points, showing consistency with their season average of 82.5 points per game.

However, the Coyotes were right behind them, ending with 85 points. Despite the loss, they maintained their season average of 91.3 points per game, highlighting their offensive capabilities.

The Titans excelled in three-point shooting, making critical shots from beyond the arc. Averaging 12 three-pointers per game this season, they capitalized on this strength.

South Dakota's scoring was balanced with effective field goal attempts. They had a shooting percentage of 50.3, which is reflected in their performance today.

Rebounding and Defense

Cal State Fullerton faced challenges on the boards, with a low rebound average of 31.5 per game. Despite this, they managed to pull down key rebounds that contributed to their win.

Meanwhile, the Coyotes grabbed more rebounds, showing an average of 37 per game. This helped keep the game close, especially in the final minutes.

Defensively, the Titans relied on their ability to force turnovers. They average 11 turnovers per game, which helped them in the clutch moments of this game.

The Coyotes, on the other hand, struggled with turnovers. Their season average of 15 per game was visible as they missed key opportunities late in the game.

Foul Trouble and Free Throws

The Titans had to be cautious with fouls, averaging 26 per game. This was a concern throughout, as foul trouble could have shifted the game's momentum.

South Dakota capitalized on free throws, aligning with their season average of 24.7 made per game. This helped them stay in contention until the final moments.

In the end, both teams showcased their strengths and left everything on the court. The Titans head into their next games with newfound confidence after this road victory.

For the Coyotes, this game serves as a learning experience. They will look to bounce back in their upcoming contests, aiming to improve their home performance.