FRESNO, Calif. – Fresno State pulled within seven multiple times during the final 12 minutes but answers from Colorado State ultimately led to a 73-61 defeat on Saturday evening at the Save Mart Center.
The Bulldogs were led by Donavan Yap Jr. who had 20 points. Colorado State put five players in double figures with 14 from Joel Scott and Patrick Cartier.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Colorado State jumped out to a 10-4 lead four times after four straight made shots. Out of the stoppage, Xavier DuSell pulled three back for the 'Dogs. The Rams pushed their lead back up to seven two minutes later but a 3 from the top of the key by Isaiah Hill started an 8-0 run to give the 'Dogs their first lead of the night at 15-4 with 8:55 on the clock.
With four points apiece from Leo Colimerio and Donavan Yap Jr., off the bench, the Bulldogs' 11-2 four-minute stretch gave Fresno State a two-point lead at 18-16.
Colorado State retook the lead with back-to-back triples, forcing a timeout from Fresno State with the Rams' lead at 24-20. CSU extended its run to eight before a corner 3 from Isaiah Pope. Isaiah Stevens answered but was called for a technical while running back down the court. Yap Jr., knocked down the free throws to pull the 'Dogs within four with 3:05 on the clock.
Despite shooting 29.6 percent, Fresno State trailed by just six at 31-25 after 20 minutes.
CSU doubled their lead in the opening minutes of the second. Jalen Weaver stopped it with a 3 from the corner but the Rams connected on their next three attempts from the field to extend their advantage to 45-30.
The 'Dogs climbed back with seven unanswered following a triple on the wing by Yap Jr., but Stevens stopped the run with an open jumper at the other end to keep CSU's lead at 10.
Just as quickly as Fresno State pulled the deficit back to seven, Joe Palmer answered with a 3 for Rams. Yap Jr. responded though with one for the Bulldogs from the top of the key with 10:39 remaining. It was the closest Fresno State would get the remainder of the game.
NOTES
Fresno State moved to 1-12 on the year when held under 70 points.
Fresno State dropped its 11th consecutive game to Colorado State.
Fresno State allowed over 50 percent shooting from the field for just the fourth time this season.
Fresno State's streak of three straight games shooting over 50 percent was snapped (46.0%). The 'Dogs dropped to 0-7 when shooting a lower percentage than their opponent.
Donavan Yap Jr., recorded his third 20-point game of the season with 20. He owns three of the Bulldogs' four 20-point games.
Isaiah Hill had nine assists for the fifth time in the last six games.
UP NEXT
Fresno State will spend next week on the road, opening their trip at San Jose State on Tuesday. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. and will air on NBC Sports Bay Area.