FRESNO, Calif.- Fresno State women's basketball team found a home win redemption on Saturday afternoon against UC San Diego, 71-52.
It was a big night for Franka Wittenberg on the court, as she recorded a career-high 19 points, three 3-pointers, three steals and two rebounds.
HOW IT HAPPENED
In another night full of three-pointers, Fresno State would start the night with three 3-pointers, all being shot within a span of three minutes of each other. Keely Brown, Franka Wittenberg and Mia Jacobs would lay claim to those. Bulldogs' would take a four point lead to close out the first quarter, off a Wittenberg steal into a fast break layup in the paint.
Scoreless in the first three minutes of the second quarter, the Tritons would strike first. Fresno State defense would begin to make their presence known forcing UC San Diego to six turnovers, all of which were steals. The Tritons would hold the 'Dogs to 11 points in the second quarter, in an attempt to close the gap.
Fresno State would shoot in the 40% range from both the field (41%) and the three (44%) in the first half. 'Dogs would take a five point lead at the half, 32-27.
Bulldogs' would pick up the pace creating a 10 point lead halfway through the third quarter off of Wittenberg's third 3-pointer of the night. 'Dogs would rack up another set of three 3-pointers in the third, Wittenberg and Jacobs would claim their second of the night and Kylee Fox's first. Closing out on a 6-0 run Fresno State would find themselves with a 15 point lead.
Fresno State would make the most of the last ten minutes of play working to extend the lead, opening on a 5-0 run to make it a 20 point game. With another four 3-pointers made by Deajanae Harvey, Wittenberg and back-to-back threes by Fox and Jacobs. With a twenty point lead and less than three minutes left, Fresno State would once again find themselves on the verge of 70 points. Malaya LeSueur would make the last push for the 'Dogs to reach over 70 for the game in the last minute with a jumper from outside the paint.
The Tritons top scorers of the night were freshman Sumayah Sugapong with 17 points and Denali Pinto with 14 points.
NOTES:
For the fifth time at home Fresno State has scored 70 points while keeping their opponents to 65 or less points
Fresno State is now 5-1 at home during the non-conference portion of the season
Fresno State leads the all-time series with UC San Diego, 1-0
Fresno State shot 52% from the three going 11-of-21, 47% from the field going 28-59 and 100% from the foul line (4-4)
Two Bulldogs put up double-digit points against UCSD, Franka Wittenburg (19) and Mia Jacobs (15)
Mia Jacobs is the first Bulldog to break 100 points this season, 108
Taija Sta. Maria records 10 assist, sitting one below Haley Cavinder (11, vs New Mexico 1/22/22) in the "Last Time in Bulldog History"
Fresno State would record at least three 3PM in all but one quarter
Mia Jacobs once again leads the team in rebounds with six
Three Bulldogs tie leading the team in steals with three a piece; Kylee Fox, Franka Wittenberg, Deajanae Harvey