LOGAN, Utah – Despite a second-straight 20-point performance from senior guard Jemarl Baker, the Fresno State men's basketball team lost 67-54 on New Year's Eve at the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum.
Fresno State (5-8, 1-1 Mountain West) limited Utah State (12-2, 1-0 MW) to a season-low 67 points. The Aggies had entered the game averaging 85.1 points per game.
The Bulldogs saw their two-point lead midway through the second half fade away down the stretch as USU used a 12-0 run to take back a lead they did not relinquish.
Leo Colimero added 10 points, going a perfect 5-of-5 from the free throw line, while Isaih Moore chipped in nine points and grabbed a team-high seven rebounds.
How It Happened
For much of the first half, the Bulldogs dictated the pace, but was bit in transition and a late scoring drought. Fresno State's defense locked in to hold the Aggies scoreless for the final 3:19 before the break and back-to-back buckets from Baker cut Utah State's lead down to seven at halftime.
With the Aggies leading 42-36 five minutes into the second half, Colimerio knocked down a 3-pointer from near the corner, which ignited a 10-2 run for the Bulldogs and a 46-44 lead.
Utah State responded with a game-deciding stretch going on a 12-0 run to take a 10-point lead with 5:02 to play in the second half as the 'Dogs were unable to get any closer than seven over the final five minutes of the contest.
Notes
Fresno State has now limited 24 of its last 25 opponents in regular season games, including 12 of 13 games this season, to fewer than 70 points.
Fresno State had won just seven times at the Spectrum entering the contest.
Since joining the MW in 2012, Fresno State is now 2-9 in conference road openers.
This was Jemarl Baker's third game as a Bulldog with at least 10 points (all this season).
This was Jemarl Baker's eighth game as a Bulldog with at least 10 points (sixth this season).
This was Leo Colimerio's sixth game of his college career with at least 10 points (second this season).
Up next
The 'Dogs return home to open the New Year hosting No. 22 New Mexico on Tuesday at 8 p.m. PT on CBS Sports Network and the Bulldog Sports Network. Two $22 ticket packages on sale now through the Bulldog Ticket Office via GoBulldogs.com.