FRESNO, Calif. – Similar to four days earlier, Fresno State was unable to overcome a slow start on New Year's Eve in a 103-89 defeat to New Mexico on Tuesday evening at the Save Mart Center.
The Bulldogs were north of 44% from 3 (45.5%, 10-of-22) for the third straight game but allowed the Lobos to shoot 58.6% overall in a game that saw 168 possessions. UNM also struck early in their possessions holding a 35-8 advantage in fast break points.
Like the Lobos, the Bulldogs saw five players in double figures, led by point guard Zaon Collins' 20-point outing. Brian Amuneke and Elijah Price each chipped in 15. Price also added 11 rebounds, six steals and three blocks. New Mexico got career nights in the scoring column from Mustapha Amzil (25) and CJ Noland (23).
How It Happened
Fresno State was forced to use its first timeout with 15:49 on the clock following a 9-0 Lobo run. With New Mexico leading 11-3, the lead quickly grew to 12, forcing the 'Dogs to use their second timeout with just over six minutes gone following a dunk by Donovan Dent on the break.
After UNM made its first five 3-pointers of the game, Fresno State trailed 27-11 with 11:32 to play in the half.
Off the bench, Brian Amuneke (13) Jasir Tremble (9) tried to keep the Bulldogs in the game, scoring a combined 22 points, going 5-of-6 from deep in the opening half. The two helped the 'Dogs cut the deficit to 10 with 1:40 to go, but the Lobos closed the half on a 7-0 run, with CJ Noland dropping in a triple as time expired.
New Mexico led 53-36 at the break behind a 30.2% advantage from the field (67.7%-37.5%).
Trailing 62-45 five minutes into the second half, Fresno State made eight of its next nine shots. The Bulldogs were only able to cut the deficit to 14 though. With the ability to cut it closer, the Bulldogs were unable to convert on three straight possessions.
With just under six minutes to go, Zaon Collins pulled the 'Dogs within 11. A stop back triple with the shot clock winding down made it 86-75. The 'Dogs came up with a steal at the other end but Jalen Weaver's dunk in transition caught the rim. Dent was fouled after grabbing the rebound and it started an 8-0 run in less than 90 seconds for the visitors.
Fresno State could only get back to within 14, doing so in the final seconds.
Notes
Fresno State allowed 100 points for the first time since Jan. 31, 2018 (102-92 loss at Nevada).
Fresno State allowed an opponent to shoot over 50% from the field for the third straight game, and fourth time in the last five.
The Bulldogs' 89 points were their second-most in a game this season.
Fresno State has shot better than 44% from 3 in three straight games after shooting 45.5% on Tuesday.
The Bulldogs made 10 3-pointers, their third straight game with at least 10.
Fresno State's 53 points in the second half tied its most in any half this season. The 'Dogs have three halves with 50+ points this year (1-2).
Zaon Collins posted his second 20-point game of the year with 20.
Brian Amuneke finished with the first double-digit performance of his career with 15 points.
Elijah Price recorded his fourth double-double of the season with 15 points and 11 rebounds.
Price was a season-high 9-of-14 from the free-throw line.
Price also added a career-high six steals and matched his high in blocks with three.
Jasir Tremble scored in double figures for the second straight game, posting 14 points.
Tremble has scored 33 points in his last two games after totaling 31 in his first 12 games.
Up Next
Fresno State heads out on a two-game road trip beginning on Saturday at Utah State. Tipoff at Dee Glen Smith Spectrum is set for 7 p.m. MT/6 p.m. PT and will stream on the Mountain West Network.