By Juan Saucedo

Daily Titan Staff Writer

It wasn’t easy, and it sure wasn’t pretty, but it was definitely entertaining. That’s the only way to describe the Cal State Fullerton men’s basketball game against UCLA which was aired live on ESPN Monday.

Folks who tuned in to watch the first game of ESPN’s second-annual College Hoops Tip-Off Marathon got to witness the Titans defeat the Bruins for the first time in CSUF history, breaking UCLA’s streak of 37 victories over non-ranked, non-conference foes.

Not only did CSUF escape Pauley Pavilion with a 68-65 victory in double-overtime, but the Titans overcame an array of turnovers and bad shots that kept the Bruins in the game. The win also broke UCLA’s nine-game winning streak over CSUF.

Even though it was one of the sloppiest games this season in all of college basketball, the two teams’ intensity was electrifying. As a spectator, I felt like I was on an emotional roller coaster ride which continued even after the end of regulation.

At the start of the game, the Titans jumped on the Bruins but couldn’t extend on their lead due to traveling calls, turnovers, air-balls and missed lay-ups.

Yet, the Bruins couldn’t stop the Titans from attacking the basket, and at times, CSUF’s speed and athleticism was too much for UCLA to defend.

The Titans fought back after UCLA led 21-17 with 6:12 in the first half and took a 33-27 halftime advantage.

In the second overtime period, the Titans nearly made a crucial mistake by not being able to inbound the ball quick enough, therefore, costing them the ball on a five-second call.

But the Bruins couldn’t capitalize on the Titans’ mistake, missing the ensuing shot and allowing CSUF center Bryce Webster to grab the rebound that pretty much ended the game.

Although the CSUF players didn’t show any jitters in front of a national television audience, the Titans’ sloppy play resulted in 19 turnovers compared to UCLA’s 11.

CSUF also shot a meager 40 percent from the field and 20 percent from beyond the arc.

“We got a lot of work to do because we made about a gazillion mistakes out there,” said CSUF’s Head Coach Bob Burton after the game.

UCLA also had its share of woes on the offensive side, shooting 31 percent from the field and 17 percent from the three-point line.

Burton’s decision to change up the defensive scheme late in the first half made all the difference, smothering the Bruins the rest of the game.

Senior Aaron Thompson had an amazing game by leading all scorers with a career-high 22 points, while sophomore Jacques Streeter had the most clutch performance by scoring most of his 11 points late in the second half.

“I don’t think we played great … I was really glad at how competitive we were, and I think we have to get a lot better ourselves,” Burton said. “We have a long way to go.”

This win should give the Titans some good momentum going into their game against New Mexico State next week at Titan Gym.