FRESNO, Calif.- Fresno State women's basketball team showed out in the home opener against Fresno Pacific, 70-42
How it Happened
With three returners and two new editions on the starting lineup to open the season, Fresno State made its first mark on the season.
The 'Dogs started on-par with the Sunbirds, with the lead bouncing back-and-forth between the two teams six times and tying five times. Fresno State saw a tight gap with Fresno Pacific at the end of the first half, with less than five points separating the first two end of period scores.
A shift in momentum at the start of the second half gave Fresno State full control of the game. Bulldogs had their strongest period in the third, carrying the lead for over nine minutes with a 12 point lead.
Returners Franka Wittenberg and Sydney Dethman, were the playmakers in the third quarter. Wittenberg, in the period for all ten minutes put up four points, four total rebounds and one blocked shot. Dethman putting four points and three total rebounds. Freshman Taija Sta. Maria with 4 points as well.
Thus leading the Sunbirds to not have a single lead in the third period. Fresno State only allowing Fresno Pacific to score eight points in the period.
With a 13 point difference going into the final period the 'Dogs didn't let up, setting the tone to close out the game.
In her first official appearance as a Bulldog, true freshman Kylee Fox, made her presence known on the court with 9 points, 4 steals, a 3-pointer and +20. Fox closed out the game with a steal from in the paint, coming off a fast break driving it into the basket.
NOTES:
Top scorer of the night was true-freshman Taija Sta. Maria with 12 points and only two turnovers.
This is the fourth time in the series history that Fresno State kept Fresno Pacific under 50 points
Fresno State outscored Fresno Pacific in each period, leaving their opponent to score 10 points or less in the last three periods
UP NEXT:
'Dogs are back at the Save Mart Center on Friday to host UC Merced at 6 p.m. PT