ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Facing a 13-point deficit at the half and losing its senior point guard for the final 20 minutes due to a flagrant 2 call, Fresno State was defeated 79-58 by New Mexico on Wednesday night at The Pit. The Bulldogs were held to 32.7 percent shooting from the field.
Xavier DuSell notched his third 20-point game of the season with 20 points on a 7-of-17 shooting. Four Lobos were in double figures, led by 19 from Jamal Mashburn Jr.
HOW IT HAPPENED
New Mexico built up a 15-7 lead through five minutes behind its 3-point shooting. The Lobos put up seven 3's on the first 10 field goal attempts. Xavier DuSell kept the Bulldogs in it, scoring seven of Fresno State's first nine points.
Despite a five-minute scoring drought, the 'Dogs locked in defensively and allowed the Lobos to only extend their lead to 10. Enoch Boakye ended it with a dunk, his first points since Feb. 10 after missing the last four games with an injury.
Isaiah Pope pulled Fresno State within six at 25-19 with a spot-up triple with 5:47 on the clock. New Mexico pushed its advantage back up to 11 with a 7-1 run before DuSell dropped in his second 3.
Fresno State trailed 37-24 at the half but on the final play, a review resulted in a flagrant 2 and ejection of senior point guard Isaiah Hill. New Mexico's Jaelen House was also assessed a technical for his reaction after the play.
Made free throws for both teams to start the second half off set. Following a pair from Jalen Weaver, UNM used a 12-4 stretch in three minutes to move its lead up to 51-32. Five unanswered brought the deficit back to 14 but the Lobos scored 17 of the next 22 points in the game.
NOTES
Fresno State was held to 32.7 percent from the field, its second-lowest shooting percentage of the season.
Fresno State was outrebounded 54-35 and 19-5 on the offensive glass.
The 'Dogs were outscored 20-5 on second-chance points.
Xavier DuSell recorded his team-leading 20th double-figure scoring game, posting 20 points.
It was the senior's third 20-point game of the season.
Isaiah Pope scored 12 points, reaching double figures for the 11th time this year.
Isaiah Hill was ejected for the first time in his 148-game career. He had previously left a game early on a foul just once (fouled out vs. Utah State on Feb. 27, 2024).
UP NEXT
Fresno State will return home for Senior Day on Saturday against Wyoming. The Bulldogs will honor Isaiah Hill, Isaiah Pope, Leo Colimerio and Donavan Yap Jr.
Tipoff is set for 4 p.m. PT and will stream on the Mountain West Network.