FRESNO, Calif. - Fresno State women's basketball team would strain to keep up with CSU Fullerton on Wednesday night at the Save Mart Center, 77-68
It was another night for the freshman, with 36 minutes on the court tonight Taija Sta. Maria was back in action to lead the Bulldogs with 18 points.
HOW IT HAPPENED
In true freshman fashion, Kylee Fox would put the 'Dogs on the board with a second chance three-pointer. 'Dogs would take a slight lead after a 4-0 run in the last five minutes of the first quarter. Fullerton would have a big response with three 3-pointers by Vidmar, her final one giving the Titans a seven point lead. A layup by Sta. Maria would keep the 'Dogs within five.
Fullerton would get a 3-0 run off a shooting foul, giving the Titans a six point lead. A quick three-point response by Deajanae Harvey makes it within three early in the second quarter. Fresno State would trail by no more than five to close out the second quarter, keeping the lead just within reach.
Bulldogs' shot 37% from the field (11-of-29) and 78% from the foul line
(11-of-14) in the second half. Fresno State would play a stronger second half with 34 points to the Titans 38, in second half scoring. With another 4-0 run off of another three-pointer by Fox, 'Dogs are five with three minutes to play. Three Fresno State personal fouls in the last 30 seconds would allow the Titans to secure a nine point lead to finish the game. Titans would go 2-of-2 on the last three shooting fouls.
The Titans would put up an impressive offense tonight with three players recording double-digit points; Hope Hassmann (22), Ashlee Lewis (19) and Gabi Vidmar (18.) Vidmar would also put up four 3-pointers going 4-of-6. Fullerton would shoot 54% from the field going 27-of-50, 58% from the three going 7-of-12 and 94% from the foul line going 16-of-17.
NOTES
Fresno State drops to 6-4 in the season, taking their second loss at home this season
Fresno State is sit 2-2 against Big West teams this season
Taija Sta. Maria would lead the Bulldogs in scoring (18), assists (6) and go 6-of-6 from the foul line, Sta. Maria is back recording double-digits, her first time since Nov. 10
Bulldogs would score more points from turnovers (16), the paint (38), fast breaks (8) and the bench (23)
Fresno State would shoot 42% from the field going 25-of-59, 30% from the three (4-of-13) and 66% from the foul line (14-of-21.)
Kylee Fox would put up another set of three-pointers, going 3-of-4 (75%) from behind the arc.
This is the highest opponent team score at home this season (77)
UP NEXT: 'Dogs hit the road and will face their final Big West opponent Cal Poly on Saturday, Dec. 9 at 2 p.m. PT streaming on ESPN+