After three coronavirus-related postponements or cancellations, Cal State Fullerton opened its 2020-21 men’s basketball season Sunday, 18 days later than planned, with a 94-70 victory over San Diego Christian.
The Titans were supposed to begin their season Nov. 25 facing the University of San Diego in the Husky Classic in Seattle. However, Cal State Fullerton announced Nov. 20 that a player had tested positive for COVID-19, prompting the team to quarantine for 14 days and the player to self-isolate for 10 days, per the NCAA protocol.
The Titans were then scheduled to open the season Wednesday by playing host to Bethesda University at Titan Gym. However, the game was canceled due to a positive COVID-19 test in the Flames program.
Cal State Fullerton was again scheduled to play the University of San Diego Friday in San Diego, but the game was postponed due to COVID-19-related issues.
Officials with both universities did not elaborate on the reasons for the postponement. The game will be rescheduled subject to the determination of a mutually agreeable available date for both programs, according to both universities.
The Titans never trailed in Sunday afternoon’s game played without spectators at Titan Gym, scoring the first 14 points and leading 52-23 at halftime. Cal State Fullerton held its biggest lead, 81-39, with nine minutes, 10 seconds to play.
Wayne Arnold led four Titans in double figures with 19 points, while fellow guards Jalen Harris and Tory San Antonio each added 13 and forward Vincent Lee 12.
Hawks guard Teyden Gause led all scorers with 23 points. Santee-based San Diego Christian College, which competes at the NAIA level, dropped to 0-4.
“Finally got to play somebody — that’s the biggest thing for this group,” Cal State Fullerton coach Dedrique Taylor said. “I’m more excited for them being able to put on uniforms to play against somebody else who doesn’t have the Fullerton logo on their chest.”